Louis Philippe, Duke of Orléans

The portrayed person is Louis Philippe, Duke of Orléans (1725-1785), the father of Louis Philippe Josephe (1747-1793) - who called himself "Philippe Egalité" during the French Revolution - and grandfather of Louis Philippe (1773-1850), the future king of France ("Citizen King"). The Duke of Orléans, shown here wearing armour, devoted himself to war service. From 1742-44 he took part in the campaigns in the Netherlands. After the death of his first wife, Princess Louise Henriette de Bourbon-Conti, he retired and moved to his country house near Bagnolet in 1759. In the picture, a landscape scenery with trees serves as background. The sky, painted in a strong sense of drama, is held in dark shades, thus emphasizing the Duke`s head, which is turned towards the source of light. His stout and arrogant features are masterly characterized. Moreover, the light is beautifully reflected by his armour.

¹ Der Gesichtstypus des Herzogs, wie er in dieser Miniatur zu sehen ist, wurde vermutlich von Nattier geschaffen und findet sich auch in einem anderen Bildnis aus dem Atelier Nattiers, das den Herzog in identischer Haltung und Rüstung zeigt (Schloß Versailles, Inv.-Nr. MV 5585) und in einer weiteren Atelierarbeit Nattiers mit stärker dem Betrachter zugewandten Körper (Schloß Versailles, Inv.-Nr. MV 3815), abgebildet in: Claire Constans, Musée National du Château de Versailles. Les peintures, Paris 1995, Bd. 2, S. 678 und S. 680.