Artwork
Anne d'Autriche, régente de France, en deuil blanc, et son fils Louis XIV, en robe rouge
Anne d'Autriche, régente de France, en deuil blanc, et son fils Louis XIV, en robe rouge is an oil painting by the French Classical Baroque artist Henri and Charles Beaubrun. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1644, this oil painting is a joint work by the French court painters Henri and Charles Beaubrun. It portrays Anne of Austria, the regent of France, alongside her son Louis XIV. The canvas is part of the collection at the Palace of Versailles, where it remains on public display.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Anne of Austria in mourning attire, signifying her role as a grieving mother and political guardian during her son's minority. Opposite her, the young Louis XIV appears in a richly patterned red garment, emphasizing his royal status and the continuity of the monarchy.
Technique & Style
The Beaubruns employ a refined handling of oil, rendering fabrics with luminous sheen and intricate lace. Subtle chiaroscuro creates depth, particularly in the folds of the garments and the texture of the dog’s fur. The composition balances the figures beneath a red‑and‑gold canopy against a softly lit, verdant landscape.
History & Provenance
Commissioned during the early years of Louis XIV’s reign, the work was intended for the royal household. It entered the Versailles collection in the 18th century and has been retained there since, reflecting its status as a document of the regency period.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Henri Beaubrun (1603-1677) and Charles Beaubrun (1604-1692) were French portrait painters and cousins who worked in such close collaboration that their individual hands are often difficult to distinguish.
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