Artwork

The Duchess of Burgundy with her two sons, the Dukes of Brittany and Anjou (future Louis XV)

The Duchess of Burgundy with her two sons, the Dukes of Brittany and Anjou (future Louis XV) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Pierre Gobert. It dates from 1712 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Pierre Gobert's 1712 oil painting, 'The Duchess of Burgundy with her two sons, the Dukes of Brittany and Anjou (future Louis XV)', is a portrait depicting a noblewoman with two young princes and accompanying cherubs, characterized by its serene and intimate atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays the Duchess of Burgundy in a maternal role, surrounded by her sons, the future Louis XV and the Duke of Brittany. The inclusion of cherubs adds a symbolic layer, suggesting divine favor or blessing upon the royal family.

Technique & Style

Gobert employed soft, pastel colors and gentle brushstrokes to convey delicacy and refinement. The contrast between the Duchess's elegant attire and the boys' simple, barefoot depiction emphasizes their youthful innocence.

History & Provenance

Created in 1712, the painting is part of the Museo del Prado's collection, though specific details of its acquisition or earlier ownership are not provided in the available information.

Context

Painted during the reign of Louis XIV, the work reflects the artistic tastes of the late Baroque period in France, blending realism with symbolic elements to honor the monarchy's lineage.

Legacy

While not widely discussed in broad art historical narratives, the painting provides insight into 18th-century French royal portraiture and the artistic conventions used to depict nobility and divine sanction during this period.