Artwork

Louis XVI, Roi de France

Louis XVI, Roi de France, by Pierre Adrien Le Beau, ink, 1783
Louis XVI, Roi de France, by Pierre Adrien Le Beau, ink, 1783

Louis XVI, Roi de France is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Pierre Adrien Le Beau. It dates from 1783 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower center in image: LOUIS XVI. ROI DE FRANCE... / Pour ne souger qu'au boubeur des français / B.D. / Publié pour la Paix de 1783. la 8. e année de son Regne / A paris chez Jean, Rue St. Jean de Beauvais, No. 10; lower left in plate: Dessiné par B. A. Nicollet; lower right in plate: fait par Lebeau, Graveur de Monseigneur le Duc de Chatres …

About this work

You see a portrait of Louis XVI, the King of France, in this etching. The king is dressed in fancy clothes and has a serious expression. What's interesting is that this etching was made in 1783, a time of great change in France.

Check out the work of artist Le Beau, Pierre Adrien, to learn more about his style and other portraits he created.

Overview

This print, 'Louis XVI, Roi de France', is a portrait of the King of France created by Pierre Adrien Le Beau in 1783 using etching and engraving techniques on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Louis XVI in formal attire with a serious expression, capturing the monarch's likeness during a period of significant social and political change in France.

Technique & Style

The work is executed in etching and engraving, techniques that allowed Le Beau to achieve detailed renderings of the king's clothing and facial features, reflecting the artist's skill in portraiture.

History & Provenance

Created in 1783, the print is a product of the late 18th century, a time when France was on the cusp of revolution, adding a layer of historical context to the portrait.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Louis XVI, Roi de France?

Louis XVI, Roi de France was painted by Pierre Adrien Le Beau in 1783.

Where can I see Louis XVI, Roi de France?

Louis XVI, Roi de France is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Louis XVI, Roi de France?

Louis XVI, Roi de France is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Louis XVI, Roi de France?

Museum-quality prints of Louis XVI, Roi de France are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.