Where can I see Charles of France, Duke of Berry?

Charles of France, Duke of Berry is held by Palace of Versailles.

What movement is Charles of France, Duke of Berry?

Charles of France, Duke of Berry is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Charles of France, Duke of Berry?

Museum-quality prints of Charles of France, Duke of Berry are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Charles of France, Duke of Berry

Nicolas de Largillière , 1706

Charles of France, Duke of Berry is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Nicolas de Largillière. It dates from 1706 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

His appearance is completed by a wig, consistent with the fashion of the French court during the early eighteenth century.

This portrait depicts Charles of France, Duke of Berry (1686–1714), presented as the primary subject of the composition. The iconography emphasizes his martial status and aristocratic rank through specific attributes: he is shown wearing body armor and a helmet, accompanied by a glove and an overcoat. His appearance is completed by a wig, consistent with the fashion of the French court during the early eighteenth century.

By combining military regalia with civilian luxury, the work represents the dual role of the prince as both a warrior and a high-ranking nobleman within the Kingdom of France. The painting serves as a formal record of his identity and station at the time of its creation by Nicolas de Largillière.

Technique & Style

This portrait of Charles of France, Duke of Berry, is executed in oil paint on a canvas support. The work measures 149 cm in height and 114 cm in width. Stylistically, the painting functions as a formal portrait depicting the subject in body armor, accompanied by a helmet, glove, overcoat, and a wig.

The composition focuses on the figure of the Duke, utilizing the medium to render the textures of his military attire and accessories within the conventions of French portraiture of the period.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Charles of France, Duke of Berry, painted by Nicolas de Largillière, is housed in the Museum of the History of France at the Palace of Versailles, where it is cataloged under inventory number MV 6271. The work has been featured in exhibitions at Versailles, reflecting its significance within the collections of the national museums of France.

Context

The portrait of Charles of France, Duke of Berry, was painted by Nicolas de Largillière and is housed in the Museum of the History of France at the Palace of Versailles, as documented by the Joconde database and the French Ministry of Culture. It was created circa 1710, depicting the duke in body armor, helmet, glove, overcoat, and wig, reflecting contemporary military portraiture conventions. Scholarship situates the work within Largillière's mature period, characterized by refined realism and courtly patronage, and it contributes to understanding the visual representation of Bourbon heirs in 18th-century France.

Overview

Around 1706, Nicolas de Largillière executed an oil portrait of Charles of France, Duke of Berry. The work presents the young duke in elaborate armor, clutching a white glove in one hand and resting the other on a helmet. A dark, indistinct backdrop isolates the figure, emphasizing his status and attire.

Louis de France, Duke of Burgundy, Rigaud Hyacinthe

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Artist & collection

Artist

Nicolas de Largillière

Nicolas de Largillière (French:; baptised 10 October 1656 – 20 March 1746) was a French painter and draughtsman. From 1733 until 1735, he was director of the Académie de Peinture et de Sculpture.