Artwork
Louis XVI, Roi de France
Louis XVI, Roi de France is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Pierre Adrien Le Beau. It dates from 1783 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
You see a portrait of Louis XVI, the King of France, in this etching.
The king is dressed in fancy clothes and has a serious expression. What's interesting is that this etching was made in 1783, a time of great change in France.
Check out the work of artist Le Beau, Pierre Adrien, to learn more about his style and other portraits he created.
Overview
This print, 'Louis XVI, Roi de France', is a portrait of the King of France created by Pierre Adrien Le Beau in 1783 using etching and engraving techniques on wove paper.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Louis XVI in formal attire with a serious expression, capturing the monarch's likeness during a period of significant social and political change in France.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in etching and engraving, techniques that allowed Le Beau to achieve detailed renderings of the king's clothing and facial features, reflecting the artist's skill in portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created in 1783, the print is a product of the late 18th century, a time when France was on the cusp of revolution, adding a layer of historical context to the portrait.
Artist & collection
