Artwork
Louis Philippe Declining the Crown of Belgium Offered to His Son
Louis Philippe Declining the Crown of Belgium Offered to His Son is an oil painting by Nicolas Gosse. It dates from 1836 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.
About this work
Overview
Louis Philippe Declining the Crown of Belgium Offered to His Son is a history painting executed in oil on canvas by Nicolas Gosse in 1836. It was commissioned by Louis Philippe for the Musée de l'Histoire de France at the Palace of Versailles.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a pivotal moment on 17 February 1831 when Louis Philippe I refused the Belgian National Congress's offer of the Belgian throne to his son, Prince Louis, Duke of Nemours, to avoid offending British allies.
Technique & Style
The work features a grand, formal scene with multiple figures in elaborate attire, set against a backdrop of red curtains and gold accents. The central figure, Louis Philippe, stands on a raised platform, surrounded by others, conveying an atmosphere of importance and ceremony.
History & Provenance
The painting was created for the Musée de l'Histoire de France at Versailles, commissioned by Louis Philippe for 800 Francs. It commemorates a significant event following the Belgian Revolution of 1830, which led to Belgium's independence from the Netherlands.
Context
The Belgian National Congress's nomination of Nemours as king was an attempt to secure French support, but Louis Philippe's rejection led to the eventual selection of Leopold of Saxe-Coburg as a compromise candidate, who later married Louis Philippe's daughter, Louise of Orléans.
Artist & collection
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Napoléon signs his abdication at Fontainebleau 11 April 1814
First distribution of the decorations of the Legion of Honor, made by Bonaparte, in the church of the imperial hotel of Invalides, July 14, 1804
Prince Ferdinand Philippe of Orléans, Duke of Orléans
Treaty of Loeben, April 17, 1797
The Congress of Paris
Philippe of France, Duke of Orleans