Artwork

Royal Coat of Arms of Louis XV

Royal Coat of Arms of Louis XV, by Jacques Nicolas Tardieu, ink, 1745
Royal Coat of Arms of Louis XV, by Jacques Nicolas Tardieu, ink, 1745

Royal Coat of Arms of Louis XV is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Nicolas Tardieu. It dates from 1745 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1745 engraving on laid paper, attributed to Jacques Nicolas Tardieu, depicts the Royal Coat of Arms of Louis XV, embodying the symbolic heraldry of the French monarchy.

Subject & Meaning

The composition features two winged figures supporting a shield adorned with a crown and fleur-de-lis, motifs traditionally associated with French royal authority. One figure gazes upward, while the other holds a leaf wreath, set against a backdrop of clouds, draped fabric, and a distant building.

Technique & Style

Tardieu employed fine, detailed linework to achieve depth and convey movement, characteristic of the engraving style prevalent during this period.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1745, the engraving coincides with Louis XV's reign, though specific details about its commission or original display context are not provided.

Context

As a print, this work would have facilitated widespread dissemination of the royal emblem, reinforcing the monarchy's visual identity across France.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.