Who painted Portrait of Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre (1754-1793)?

Portrait of Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre (1754-1793) was painted by Joseph Siffred Duplessis in 1788.

Where can I see Portrait of Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre (1754-1793)?

Portrait of Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre (1754-1793) is held by Palace of Versailles.

What movement is Portrait of Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre (1754-1793)?

Portrait of Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre (1754-1793) is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Portrait of Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre (1754-1793)

Joseph Siffred Duplessis , 1788

Portrait of Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre (1754-1793) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Joseph Siffred Duplessis. It dates from 1788 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles. Created in 1788, this oil portrait by Joseph‑Siffrein Duplessi presents Louis XVI, the monarch of France and Navarre, in a formal pose.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1788, this oil portrait by Joseph‑Siffrein Duplessi presents Louis XVI, the monarch of France and Navarre, in a formal pose. The king is shown against a dark, columned backdrop, his gaze turned toward the viewer’s right. The composition emphasizes regal authority through restrained yet elaborate attire and a composed facial expression.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Louis XVI, appears with white hair and a solemn countenance, underscoring the solemnity of his reign. An ornate white shirt trimmed with gold, a blue sash, and a prominent silver star on his chest signal his royal status and the ceremonial duties he embodied. The painting conveys a sense of dignified presence rather than personal intimacy.

Technique & Style

The contrast between the dark wall and the luminous clothing highlights the figure, while subtle modeling gives the flesh a realistic texture.

Duplessi employs a Rococo‑influenced palette, balancing delicate brushwork with clear, immediate rendering of facial features. The contrast between the dark wall and the luminous clothing highlights the figure, while subtle modeling gives the flesh a realistic texture. The artist’s characteristic clarity of detail and swift execution are evident in the crisp rendering of the king’s hair and accessories.

History & Provenance

The portrait entered the royal collection shortly after its completion and now resides within the Palace of Versailles. As part of the official visual record of the French monarchy, it has remained in state holdings, reflecting its role as a document of royal iconography rather than a private commission.