Artwork
Louis XVI, King of France
Louis XVI, King of France is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Antoine Louis Romanet. It dates from 1783 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Antoine Louis Romanet’s 1783 engraving presents Louis XVI in a formal portrait. Executed on laid paper as a trial state, the image captures the monarch within an oval composition against a dark backdrop, emphasizing his regal bearing.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, Louis XVI, is depicted with curled hair and a richly decorated jacket bearing a prominent star‑shaped medal, symbols of his royal status and the honors associated with the French crown during the late Ancien Régime.
Technique & Style
Romanet employed fine line engraving techniques typical of late‑eighteenth‑century French printmaking. The contrast between the dark background and the illuminated figure, together with the precise rendering of the medal and facial features, reflects the period’s emphasis on clarity and dignified representation.
History & Provenance
Created as a trial state, the print likely served as a preparatory version before a final edition was issued. Its production date of 1783 places it shortly before the escalating crises that would culminate in the French Revolution, offering a contemporary visual record of the king’s appearance.
Context
The engraving belongs to a broader tradition of royal portraiture that circulated among the aristocracy and court officials. Such images reinforced monarchical authority and were often distributed as diplomatic gifts or for inclusion in official publications.
Artist & collection
