Artwork

Portrait of Charles de Rohan, Prince of Soubise

Portrait of Charles de Rohan, Prince of Soubise, by Unknown, oil, 1750
Portrait of Charles de Rohan, Prince of Soubise, by Unknown, oil, 1750

Portrait of Charles de Rohan, Prince of Soubise is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles. This mid-18th-century oil painting depicts Charles de Rohan, Prince of Soubise, in a formal military portrait.

About this work

Overview

This mid-18th-century oil painting depicts Charles de Rohan, Prince of Soubise, in a formal military portrait. The subject stands prominently on a rocky outcropping, set against a backdrop of hazy forest and cloudy sky.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures the Prince of Soubise in the attire of a high-ranking military officer, replete with symbols of rank: a red sash with a gold emblem, ornate buttons, braided trim, and a sword. The overall composition conveys the subject's authority and status.

Technique & Style

The painting employs strong contrasts of light and dark, characteristic of the chiaroscuro technique, which adds depth and emphasizes the subject's presence. The artist's use of vibrant, reflective colors (notably the bright red and gold of the uniform) against softer, muted backgrounds (the forest and sky) further enhances the visual impact.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid-1700s, the portrait reflects the era's penchant for elaborate military uniforms among nobility and high command. Specific provenance details (ownership history) are not provided.

Context

The work is contextualized within the artistic and social trends of 18th-century Europe, where such portraits served to solidify the status and military prowess of aristocratic figures like Charles de Rohan.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

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