Artwork
Louis XV, King of France
Louis XV, King of France is an ink print by the Baroque artist Antoine Benoist. It dates from 1741 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Antoine Benoist’s 1741 print presents Louis XV of France in a close‑up portrait. Executed as an engraving over an etching on laid paper, the image concentrates on the monarch’s face and upper attire, set against a uniform background that emphasizes the figure’s features.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts the young king with tightly curled hair, a solemn expression, and a dark coat trimmed with a white shirt and a prominent bow tie. The focus on his visage and regal dress underscores his authority and the formal presentation expected of a sovereign portrait.
Technique & Style
Benoist combined etching’s fine lines with the deeper tones of engraving to model the hair, fabric folds, and facial shadows. The careful gradations of tone create a sense of three‑dimensionality, while the plain background isolates the subject, a hallmark of late Baroque portraiture that favors dramatic contrast over elaborate scenery.
History & Provenance
Created in 1741, the print was likely intended for distribution among court circles or as a commemorative image of the reigning monarch. As a printed work, multiple copies could circulate, contributing to the visual representation of Louis XV during his early reign.
Context
The portrait belongs to the broader tradition of royal imagery in 18th‑century France, where engravings served both decorative and propagandistic purposes. Benoist’s approach reflects contemporary tastes for refined, individualized likenesses that conveyed the dignity of the crown without the overt theatricality of earlier Baroque paintings.
Artist & collection
