Artwork

Philibert Orry (1689-1747)

Philibert Orry (1689-1747), by Rigaud Hyacinthe, oil, 1738
Philibert Orry (1689-1747), by Rigaud Hyacinthe, oil, 1738

Philibert Orry (1689-1747) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Rigaud Hyacinthe. It dates from 1738 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles. This 1738 oil-on-canvas portrait, created by Hyacinthe Rigaud, captures Philibert Orry in a formal, refined setting.

About this work

Overview

This 1738 oil-on-canvas portrait, created by Hyacinthe Rigaud, captures Philibert Orry in a formal, refined setting. Executed in the Rococo style, the work is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and luxurious textures.

Subject & Meaning

Philibert Orry is portrayed seated at a wooden desk, engaged with a red book and a handwritten document. His attire—a black velvet coat with lace cuffs and a white lace cravat—and the ornate desk suggest a figure of authority or intellect, potentially emphasizing his professional or scholarly pursuits.

Technique & Style

Rigaud employed Rococo stylistic elements, evident in the delicate rendering of lace, the play of light on velvet, and the overall sense of intimacy. The composition's focus on textures and the subject's quiet engagement reflects the artist's skill in conveying refinement and elegance.

History & Provenance

Commissioned in 1738, the portrait is now part of the Palace of Versailles' collection, underscoring Orry's significance within the French nobility or administrative circles of the time.

Context

As a work by Rigaud, the portrait aligns with the artist's specialty in depicting French nobility and clergy, situating it within the broader tradition of 18th-century French portraiture that emphasized status and personality.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Rigaud Hyacinthe

Artist

Rigaud Hyacinthe

Jacint Rigau-Ros i Serra (Catalan pronunciation: ; 18 July 1659 – 29 December 1743), known in French as Hyacinthe Rigaud (pronounced ), was a Catalan-French baroque painter most famous for his portraits of Louis XIV and other members of…

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