Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

Portrait of Cardinal Guillaume Dubois by Hyacinthe, Rigaud

Hyacinthe, Rigaud · 1723-01-01

Hyacinthe Rigaud's "Portrait of Cardinal Guillaume Dubois," painted in 1723 and now at the Cleveland Museum of Art, captures a figure at the height of his power, just months before his unexpected death. Dubois served as Chief Minister of France during the Régence, effectively running the country while Louis XV was a minor.

Look closely at his opulent red robes and the cardinal's hat he holds, symbols of his immense ecclesiastical and political rank. The legal books beside him and the letter marked "Au Roy" (To the King) underscore his intellectual authority and direct influence with the monarch.

Dubois was instrumental in forging the Anglo-French Alliance and thwarting conspiracies, balancing his roles as a shrewd statesman and clergyman. His elevation to cardinal by Pope Innocent XIII in 1721 cemented his status. This portrait was completed in the very year he died, making it a poignant record of his brief but extraordinary pinnacle.

His abrupt death at Versailles in August 1723 marked the end of an era of profound influence. What do you think about the expression of a man who held such power?

Details

As Chief Minister, he steered the country after Louis XIV's death.
As Chief Minister, he steered the country after Louis XIV's death.
This portrait was painted in 1723, the year his power peaked.
This portrait was painted in 1723, the year his power peaked.
The crisp white fabric contrasts with his red robes, highlighting his dual role as clergyman and statesman.
The crisp white fabric contrasts with his red robes, highlighting his dual role as clergyman and statesman.
Transcript

This man, Cardinal Dubois, ran France during the King's childhood. As Chief Minister, he steered the country after Louis XIV's death. He even formed an alliance with France's old enemy, Great Britain. His influence was so great, he was made a Cardinal by the Pope. This portrait was painted in 1723, the year his power peaked. But in August of that year, he died suddenly at Versailles.