Artwork

Louis Auguste I. de Bourbon, Herzog von Maine (1670-1736)

Louis Auguste I. de Bourbon, Herzog von Maine (1670-1736), by François de Troy, oil, 1716
Louis Auguste I. de Bourbon, Herzog von Maine (1670-1736), by François de Troy, oil, 1716

Louis Auguste I. de Bourbon, Herzog von Maine (1670-1736) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist François de Troy. It dates from 1716 and is held in the collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Louis Auguste I.

About this work

Overview

Louis Auguste I. de Bourbon, Herzog von Maine (1670-1736) is depicted in a portrait painted in 1716 by François de Troy, executed in oil paint on canvas. The work exemplifies the Rococo style and is housed in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Louis Auguste I., is portrayed as a young individual with curly hair, dressed in a dark robe over a lighter shirt, seated with hands in lap and face slightly averted. The composition conveys a sense of serene, introspective dignity.

Technique & Style

Characterized by visible brushstrokes, the painting showcases de Troy's adherence to Rococo principles through its use of contrasting colors (dark background, lighter attire) and nuanced, naturalistic portrayal of the subject.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1716, the portrait is part of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister's collection. François de Troy, a prominent French artist, held notable positions including principal painter to the exiled King James II and Director of the Académie Royale de peinture et de sculpture.

Context

Created during the Rococo period, the portrait reflects the era's emphasis on intimacy and subtle emotion. De Troy's dual role as painter and engraver, as well as his court connections, influenced his approach to capturing aristocratic subjects.

Legacy

While specific impact of this portrait on the broader art historical canon is not prominently noted, it remains a characteristic example of de Troy's work and the Rococo style, contributing to the historical record of 18th-century European portraiture.

Artist & collection

Portrait of François de Troy

Artist

François de Troy

François de Troy (9 January 1645 – 1 May 1730) was a French painter and engraver who became principal painter to King James II in exile at Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Director of the Académie Royale de peinture et de sculpture.