Artwork

The Glorification of St. Louis

The Glorification of St. Louis, by Alexandre Cabanel, oil, 1853
The Glorification of St. Louis, by Alexandre Cabanel, oil, 1853

The Glorification of St. Louis is an oil painting by Alexandre Cabanel. It dates from 1853 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles. The Glorification of St.

About this work

Overview

The Glorification of St. Louis is a painting created by Alexandre Cabanel in 1853 using oil paint. It is now part of the Palace of Versailles collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a king, believed to be St. Louis, seated on a throne, surrounded by attendants and onlookers. The scene conveys reverence and adoration, with figures holding symbols of faith and power, such as a cross and a sword.

Technique & Style

Cabanel's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth, drawing attention to the central figure. The palette is dominated by muted shades of red, blue, and gold, contributing to the overall atmosphere of reverence.

History & Provenance

Alexandre Cabanel was a prominent figure in the Second Empire art scene, favored by Napoleon III. His work, including The Glorification of St. Louis, exemplifies the academic style characteristic of his time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alexandre Cabanel

Artist

Alexandre Cabanel

Alexandre Cabanel (French: ; 28 September 1823 – 23 January 1889) was a French painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Palace of Versailles open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.