Artwork
Louis XV
Louis XV is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jean Daullé. It dates from 1738 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Jean Daullé's 1738 engraving, Louis XV, is a printed portrait of the French monarch, executed on laid paper using metal plate engraving techniques.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts Louis XV seated in a chair, conveying regal authority through meticulous details such as a voluminous white wig, ornate coat with intricate buttons, and lace cuff. The king's direct gaze engages the viewer, emphasizing his power.
Technique & Style
Daullé employed engraving, carving lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. Cross-hatching techniques created nuanced shading, from soft facial illumination to sharper, detailed textures like the lace.
History & Provenance
Created in 1738, specific provenance details of the engraving are not provided, though its creation during Louis XV's reign suggests it may have served as an official or commemorative portrait.
Context
As a portrait of a reigning monarch, Louis XV reflects the 18th-century European tradition of royal portraiture, where art served to project the ruler's image and authority across the kingdom.
Artist & collection
