Artwork

Philippe II d'Orleans, Regent of France and Madame de Parabere as Minerva

Philippe II d'Orleans, Regent of France and Madame de Parabere as Minerva is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jean-Baptiste Santerre. It dates from 1716 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

The painting is a portrait of Philippe II d'Orleans, Regent of France and Madame de Parabere as Minerva, painted by Jean-Baptiste Santerre in 1716.

The painting shows a man and a woman standing together in a landscape. The man is wearing a suit of armor and holding a sword, while the woman is dressed in a long, flowing gown and a helmet with a plume. The man's armor is decorated with gold accents, and the woman's gown is a deep red color.

The man and woman are standing in front of a cloudy sky, with mountains visible in the distance. The woman is gesturing towards the man, and he is looking at her with a serious expression.

The painting is a portrait of Philippe II d'Orleans, Regent of France and Madame de Parabere as Minerva, painted by Jean-Baptiste Santerre in 1716. The painting is held at the Palace of Versailles. Next, look up the artist Jean-Baptiste Santerre.

Overview

This 1716 oil painting by Jean-Baptiste Santerre is a portrait of Philippe II d'Orleans, Regent of France, and his mistress Marie-Madeleine de Parabère. It is part of the Palace of Versailles collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts the Regent in armor with a sword, alongside de Parabère dressed as Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, in a red gown and helmet. The scene suggests a symbolic representation of their relationship, with de Parabère guiding or inspiring the Regent.

Technique & Style

Santerre's work blends elements of history painting and portraiture, characteristic of the Rococo movement and influenced by the Bolognese school and Netherlandish painters. The use of oil paint allows for detailed rendering of textures, such as the gold accents on the Regent's armor and the folds of de Parabère's gown.

Context

Created during the Regency period, the painting reflects the cultural and artistic tastes of early 18th-century France. Santerre's style is associated with the Style Louis XIV, indicating a continuity of artistic traditions despite the change in monarchic rule.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Jean-Baptiste Santerre

Jean-Baptiste Santerre (French pronunciation: ; 23 March 1651 – 21 November 1717) was a French painter and draughtsman of the Style Louis XIV, known for his history paintings, portraits, and portrait-like genre subjects.