Artwork
Feast given after the coronation of Louis XV of France

Feast given after the coronation of Louis XV of France is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Pierre-Denis Martin. It dates from 1722 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.
About this work
Overview
Pierre‑Denis Martin, a French painter active in the early eighteenth century, produced an oil canvas in 1722 that records the banquet held after the coronation of Louis XV. The work belongs to the Rococo period and is housed in the collection of the Palace of Versailles. It presents a lavish interior scene populated by a multitude of courtiers and guests.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures the celebratory feast that followed Louis XV’s coronation, emphasizing the grandeur of royal ceremony. Figures of varying ages and ranks are shown in formal dress, gathered around tables laden with food and drink, underscoring the communal aspect of the royal celebration.
Technique & Style
Martin employs a subtle chiaroscuro to model the space, creating depth that guides the eye toward the central group of dignitaries seated at the head of a long table. The composition is enriched by detailed rendering of fine china, crystal, and ornate architectural elements such as moldings and wall paintings.
History & Provenance
Created shortly after the 1722 coronation, the canvas reflects Martin’s frequent commissions to depict events at Versailles and other royal residences. The painting entered the Versailles collection, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s documentation of the Bourbon court.
Context
Martin, sometimes called Martin the Younger or Martin des Gobelins, specialized in historical and architectural subjects, often portraying scenes from the lives of French monarchs. This work aligns with his broader oeuvre that includes depictions of court life at Versailles and the Château de Compiègne, illustrating the visual culture of the early Rococo court.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pierre-Denis Martin (1663 – 1742) was a French painter of historical subjects, battles, hunts, and architectural views, particularly of royal residences, such as the Palace of Versailles and the Château de Compiègne.













