Artwork

portrait of Marquês de Marigny (1728-1781)

portrait of Marquês de Marigny (1728-1781), by Louis Tocqué, oil, 1756
portrait of Marquês de Marigny (1728-1781), by Louis Tocqué, oil, 1756

portrait of Marquês de Marigny (1728-1781) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Louis Tocqué. It dates from 1756 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Overview

Louis Tocqué’s 1756 oil portrait presents Abel‑François Poisson, Marquis de Marigny, in a poised stance. The sitter is rendered in a blue coat trimmed with gold, a white shirt with lace cuffs, and a prominent brooch, set against a dark backdrop that accentuates his features and attire. His white hair and direct gaze engage the viewer, while his right hand rests on a table scattered with papers.

Subject & Meaning

The work records the identity and status of the Marquis de Marigny, a prominent French noble and brother of Madame de Pompadour. By depicting him amid documents, the portrait alludes to his administrative role as director of the king’s buildings and patron of the arts, suggesting both personal refinement and official responsibility.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, Tocqué employs the light, elegant brushwork typical of the Rococo period. The delicate handling of fabrics—particularly the sheen of the blue coat and the translucency of lace—contrasts with the deep, muted background, creating a subtle chiaroscuro that highlights the sitter’s visage and attire.

History & Provenance

Since its completion, the painting has remained within the French royal collection and is now housed in the Palace of Versailles. Its presence in the Versailles holdings reflects the Marquis’s close ties to the court and the enduring interest in mid‑eighteenth‑century portraiture.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Louis Tocqué

Artist

Louis Tocqué

Jean Louis Tocqué (French pronunciation: ; 19 November 1696 – 10 February 1772) was a French painter. He specialized in portrait painting.

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