Artwork
Louis XIV, King of France
Louis XIV, King of France is an ink print by the Baroque artist Balthasar Moncornet. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Balthasar Moncornet’s 1634 engraving presents a youthful Louis XIV on laid paper. Executed in the early phase of the monarch’s life, the image follows the conventions of 17th‑century French portraiture, emphasizing composure and authority through a restrained yet formal pose.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures the future king at a formative age, foregrounding his regal status through elaborate attire and a resolute expression. By portraying Louis in sumptuous dress and with ornamental detail, Moncornet underscores the emerging power and legitimacy of the Bourbon line.
Technique & Style
Moncornet employed fine line engraving, a labor‑intensive process that allowed precise rendering of textures such as silk, lace, and metalwork. The use of laid paper provides a subtle, fibrous background, while the meticulous hatching creates depth and highlights the intricate ornamentation of the king’s costume.
History & Provenance
Created during Moncornet’s active period as a portraitist of notable figures, the print was likely circulated among court circles to reinforce Louis XIV’s image. Surviving copies are held in several European print collections, reflecting the work’s role in disseminating the monarch’s likeness across the continent.
Artist & collection
Artist
Balthasar Moncornet (1600, Rouen – 1668, Paris) was a French painter, engraver, and tapissier revered for his depictions of around 45 different prominent figures of the 17th century.
