Louis XIV And The Royal Family Of Bourbon Circ

Set of six portraits of the Bourbon royal family
Early 18th-century French school, circa 1710–1720
Some of the frames bear an identification in German, which we do not reproduce in its entirety
Very good overall condition; later frames
Dimensions with frame: 40x46 cm

This rare series of six portraits depicts the principal members of the French royal family at the end of Louis XIV’s reign. Executed in a uniform format and likely by the same painter, these paintings were created to form a dynastic gallery intended to adorn a château, a private mansion, or an aristocratic residence.

Painted based on the official models distributed by the court workshops—notably those of Hyacinthe Rigaud—they reflect the desire to celebrate the continuity of the Bourbon dynasty in the early 18th century.

The collection includes

Louis XIV (1638–1715), King of France, depicted in his fleur-de-lis coronation mantle lined with ermine.

Louis of France, known as the Grand Dauphin (1661–1711), son of Louis XIV, in armor.  

Louis of France, Duke of Burgundy (1682–1712), grandson of Louis XIV and father of the future Louis XV, also depicted in armor with the blue ribbon of the Order of the Holy Spirit.

Marie-Adélaïde of Savoy (1685–1712), Duchess of Burgundy, wife of the Duke of Burgundy and mother of the future Louis XV.

Marie-Anne of Bavaria, known as the Grand Dauphine (1660–1690), wife of the Grand Dauphin.

A princess of the House of Bourbon, likely from the same generation, whose identity has yet to be confirmed.

Based on the official portraits that adorned Versailles and the royal residences, these models were widely reproduced in the early 18th century to disseminate the image of the monarchy throughout the homes of the high nobility, royal institutions, and households loyal to the Court.

Beyond their historical significance, these portraits also captivate viewers with the finesse of their execution, the delicacy of the skin tones, and the opulence of the gold-embroidered costumes, fleur-de-lis-adorned coats lined with ermine, and ceremonial armor. The quality of their preservation, as well as the uniformity of their formats, enhance the appeal of this collection, which has become relatively rare on the market today.

A rare example of the official iconography of the Bourbons on the eve of the succession upheavals that marked the end of Louis XIV’s reign and preceded the accession of Louis XV.