Louis XV, King of France when young (1710-1774) 1725 - 1800
Oil on canvas | 91.2 x 73.8 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 404738
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The founder of the van Loo dynasty of painters was the Dutchman, Jacob van Loo (1614-70), who was obliged to flee Amsterdam after killing someone in a pub brawl. Having settled in Paris his son, Louis Abraham, and grandsons, Jean-Baptiste and Carle-Andre (1705-65), all made successful careers in France. In addition Jean-Baptise himself had two painter sons, Louis-Michel (1707-71) and Charles-Amedee-Philippe (1719-95). Jean-Baptiste trained as a religious and mythological painter in Italy with Benedetto Luti (1666-1724), before settling in Paris in 1719. He made a brief visit to England from 1737-42, where his success as a portrait painter annoyed Hogarth so much that it provoked him into taking up portraiture himself.
This is a three-quarter length adaptation of the full-length portrait, from around 1723, at the Palace of Versailles. The original design is simplified as well as reduced. The sitter wears a breastplate over a coat, with a fur lined mantle over his should and the ribbon of the Order of the St Esprit. The mantle and the batton of command (upon which he rests his right hand) are embroided with the Fleur de lys of the French royal arms.Provenance
Acquired by George IV; recorded in the South Anti Room at Carlton House in 1819 (no 43).
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
91.2 x 73.8 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
120.5 x 103.2 x 6.54 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)
Alternative title(s)
The Dauphin, later Louis XV, King of France (1710-1774)