Artwork

Retrato equestre de Luís XIV

Retrato equestre de Luís XIV, by René-Antoine Houasse, oil, 1690
Retrato equestre de Luís XIV, by René-Antoine Houasse, oil, 1690

Retrato equestre de Luís XIV is an oil painting by the French Classical Baroque artist René-Antoine Houasse. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Ancient Art.

About this work

Overview

Retrato equestre de Luís XIV is a 1690 oil painting by René-Antoine Houasse, a French artist trained by Charles Le Brun. It is a representative work of the French Classical Baroque style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays Louis XIV of France on a rearing white horse, both elaborately dressed, conveying power and grandeur. The king holds a sword, emphasizing his authority.

Technique & Style

Houasse's use of chiaroscuro creates depth, highlighting the textures of the king's and horse's ornate attire. The work exemplifies the characteristics of French Classical Baroque, with its emphasis on grandeur and dramatic lighting.

History & Provenance

The painting is now part of the National Museum of Ancient Art's collection. Houasse, who worked under Le Brun at the Manufacture des Gobelins, contributed to the decoration of the Château de Versailles, reflecting his involvement in prominent artistic projects of the time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of René-Antoine Houasse

Artist

René-Antoine Houasse

René-Antoine Houasse (c. 1645–1710) was a decorative French painter. He was a pupil of Charles Le Brun, under whose direction he worked at the Manufacture des Gobelins, and with whom he worked on the decoration of the…