Artwork
Louis XV enfant visite le Tsar Pierre Ier à l'hôtel de Lesdiguières, le 10 mai 1717
Louis XV enfant visite le Tsar Pierre Ier à l'hôtel de Lesdiguières, le 10 mai 1717 is an oil painting by Louise Hersent. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Museum of the History of France.
About this work
Overview
This 1840 oil painting by Louise Hersent depicts a historical meeting between two prominent leaders.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows Louis XV of France visiting Peter the Great of Russia at the Hôtel de Lesdiguières on 10 May 1717, capturing a moment of diplomatic interaction between the two figures amidst a gathering of men.
Technique & Style
Hersent's use of oil paint creates depth and texture, with a dark background contrasting with the lighter tones of the subjects' 18th-century attire, and subtle expressions and postures conveying a sense of conversation.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the Palace of Versailles collection and is an example of history painting, a genre in which Hersent worked alongside portraiture, exhibiting regularly at the Paris Salon.
Artist & collection
Artist
Louise Marie-Jeanne Hersent-Mauduit (7 March 1784 – 7 January 1862) was a French oil painter, primarily of portraits and historical scenes.
