Artwork

Louis-Philippe, Duc d'Orleans, Saluting his Army on the Battlefield

Louis-Philippe, Duc d'Orleans, Saluting his Army on the Battlefield, by Alexander Roslin, oil, 1757
Louis-Philippe, Duc d'Orleans, Saluting his Army on the Battlefield, by Alexander Roslin, oil, 1757

Louis-Philippe, Duc d'Orleans, Saluting his Army on the Battlefield is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Alexander Roslin. It dates from 1757 and is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

About this work

Overview

Painted in 1757 by Swedish artist Alexander Roslin during his French residency, this oil painting depicts Louis Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, leading his troops on a battlefield.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Louis Philippe I, is portrayed in a confident, commanding pose, emphasizing his military leadership. The composition focuses attention on the duke, distinguishing him through vibrant, ornate attire amidst a subdued background.

Technique & Style

Characteristic of the Rococo movement, the painting showcases Roslin's mastery of rendering luxurious textures—such as the duke's red coat with gold trim, blue sash, and white wig—against a softer, greenish-cloudy backdrop.

History & Provenance

Created during Roslin's prolific period in France, the painting is now part of the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection.

Context

Reflecting 18th-century European aristocratic portraiture, the work captures the era's emphasis on depicting nobility in powerful, elegant settings, blending military prowess with refined, Rococo aesthetics.

Legacy

As part of Roslin's oeuvre, the painting exemplifies his contribution to Rococo portraiture, particularly in capturing the essence of European nobility during the mid-18th century.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alexander Roslin

Artist

Alexander Roslin

Alexander Roslin (pronounced ; spelled Alexandre in French, pronounced ; 15 July 1718 – 5 July 1793) was a Swedish painter who worked in Scania, Bayreuth, Paris, Italy, Warsaw and St.