Louis XIV and Anne of Austria, a masterpiece by the Beaubrun brothers!
In our painting, Anne of Austria, seated in a chair, occupies a central position in the composition. She wears a sumptuous ceremonial gown made of silk, embroidered with pearls, precious stones, and adorned with refined lace. At her side, the young Louis XIV is dressed in a luxurious child's outfit, embroidered with gold and silver threads, and wears the sash of the Order of the Holy Spirit. To the left, behind the young king, an opening to an Arcadian landscape symbolizes a promising future and the dawn of a new golden age.
As a sovereign, Anne of Austria was regularly portrayed. However, from 1643 onward, her representations took on a different dimension, as she now embodied the sovereignty of the kingdom through regency. This period saw the emergence of a new iconography of the royal family: portraits featuring Anne of Austria with her two sons (Louis XIV and Philippe d'Orléans), or simply with the young king, as seen in this painting. The bond between the regent and Louis XIV is highlighted by their closeness: the queen holds her son's hand while placing her other hand on his back, a protective and tender gesture. The presence of a dog, a symbol of loyalty, reinforces the idea of maternal devotion and loyalty to the crown. This portrait also serves as an affirmation of royal power during a turbulent period marked by the Fronde uprisings. In this way, it legitimizes Anne of Austria's authority as regent and mother of the king.
Charles (1604-1692) and Henri (1603-1677) BEAUBRUN
Portrait of Anne of Austria and the Dauphin Louis, future Louis XIV
Oil on canvas
Height: 194 cm
Width: 155 cm
Estimate: €150,000 - €200,000
PROVENANCE:
Château de Longny (Orne).
After its reconstruction and furnishing by the Marquis de Ludre, the château, along with our painting, was sold to the current owner.
Our next auction will take place on Saturday, May 18, at Versailles!
📍 Hôtel des Ventes du Château
13 Avenue de Saint-Cloud
78000 Versailles
ℹ Jean-Christophe Chataignier
📥 jc.chataignier@osenat.com
ℹ Philippe Chauvin
📥 royaute@osenat.com
📞 +33 (0)6 40 79 60 65