Artwork

En fransk dronning med krone og blå kappe indvirket med guld, liljer, giver almisse til de fattige

En fransk dronning med krone og blå kappe indvirket med guld, liljer, giver almisse til de fattige is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The canvas depicts a regal woman in a dark blue mantle and crown, extending her right hand while a small child reaches toward her.

About this work

Overview

The canvas depicts a regal woman in a dark blue mantle and crown, extending her right hand while a small child reaches toward her. She stands before a substantial stone column, surrounded by additional children and a kneeling man. The backdrop features light‑toned arches, creating a spacious interior setting.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is presented as a queen offering alms to the poor, a motif common in allegorical works that emphasize charity and royal benevolence. The interaction between the queen, the child, and the kneeling supplicant underscores themes of generosity and social responsibility.

Technique & Style

Rendered in oil on canvas, the painting employs a muted palette of deep blues and subdued earth tones, contrasted by the luminous background. The artist highlights texture through the plushness of the queen’s white, puffed sleeve and the intricate detailing of the crown and column.

History & Provenance

The work originates from a French tradition of depicting charitable queens, though the precise date, artist, and ownership lineage remain undocumented in the available records.

Context

Allegorical representations of monarchs dispensing charity were popular in European art, serving both devotional and didactic purposes. This piece aligns with that tradition, reflecting contemporary attitudes toward royal patronage of the needy.