Artwork

Louis-Joseph-Xavier de France, Duke of Burgundy (1751–1761), son of Louis, Dauphin of France

Louis-Joseph-Xavier de France, Duke of Burgundy (1751–1761), son of Louis, Dauphin of France is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jean-Marc Nattier. It dates from 1754 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created in 1754 by Jean-Marc Nattier, is a portrait of Prince Louis-Joseph-Xavier de France, Duke of Burgundy. It is a representative work of the Rococo period and is part of the Palace of Versailles collection.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts the young prince in formal attire, dressed in a blue dress with black fur trim and a feathered hat, symbolizing his royal status. The gold medal on his red sash and his gesture of pointing to the left add to the regalia.

Technique & Style

Nattier's use of color and composition conveys a sense of grandeur. The background, featuring a column and a distant landscape, adds depth to the scene. The ornate details of the prince's attire are rendered with precision, showcasing the artist's skill.

History & Provenance

The subject of the portrait, Prince Louis-Joseph-Xavier de France, was the heir to the French throne at the time. The painting was created when the prince was around three years old and remained in his short life, as he died in 1761 at the age of ten.