Who painted Louis-Charles-César Le Tellier?

Louis-Charles-César Le Tellier was painted by Louis-Michel van Loo in 1759.

Where can I see Louis-Charles-César Le Tellier?

Louis-Charles-César Le Tellier is held by Palace of Versailles.

What movement is Louis-Charles-César Le Tellier?

Louis-Charles-César Le Tellier is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Louis-Charles-César Le Tellier

Louis-Michel van Loo , 1759

Louis-Charles-César Le Tellier is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Louis-Michel van Loo. It dates from 1759 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Overview

Louis‑Michel van Loo’s oil portrait, executed in 1759, presents Louis‑Charles‑César Le Tellier. The canvas, now part of the Versailles collection, captures the subject in a formal, three‑quarter pose against a subdued backdrop, emphasizing his rank through sumptuous attire and meticulous rendering.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, a high‑ranking French noble, is shown in a richly embroidered red coat trimmed with gold, a crisp white shirt with a high collar, and a blue sash draped over his right shoulder. His white hair and direct gaze convey authority and confidence, typical of aristocratic portraiture intended to affirm status and lineage.

Technique & Style

Van Loo employs a smooth, luminous palette characteristic of mid‑eighteenth‑century French court painting. Fine brushwork renders the intricate patterns of the coat and the sheen of the fabrics, while subtle chiaroscuro models the figure against the dark background, creating depth and a tactile sense of texture.

History & Provenance

Commissioned in the late 1750s, the work entered the royal holdings shortly after its completion and has remained in the Palace of Versailles’ collection. Its provenance reflects the painting’s role as a visual record of the Le Tellier family within the broader context of French noble portraiture.

Context

Created during the reign of Louis XV, the portrait aligns with the Rococo‑influenced court aesthetic that favored elegance and elaborate dress. Van Loo, a leading portraitist of the era, frequently depicted members of the aristocracy, reinforcing the visual language of power prevalent at Versailles.