Portrait of the Count of Toulouse as a child, French School, 17th Century

French School, 17th Century
Circle of François de Troy

**This portrait may form a pair with the other one I am presenting

Oil on canvas/panel
Presented in its original carved and gilded wooden frame, of the so-called “floral corner” model
Overall dimensions: 55.5 x 48 cm. Canvas alone: 40 x 32 cm

This delicate portrait of a child depicts Louis Alexandre de Bourbon, Count of Toulouse, one of the legitimised sons of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan. Executed within the circle of François de Troy, it belongs to the great tradition of late 17th-century French portraiture, where refined elegance is combined with a subtle staging of rank and character.

This type of small-format painting, highly sought after at the time, often consisted of reduced versions of official portraits. They were sold at Versailles or in its surroundings to members of the provincial nobility who had come to attend court ceremonies. Eager to retain a tangible memory of their stay at the court of the Sun King, they would take with them these miniature likenesses of members of the royal family or prominent figures of the kingdom.

These works, both intimate and precious, were then displayed in aristocratic interiors as testimonies of a moment experienced at the very heart of power.

Here, the young prince appears in all the grace of aristocratic childhood: curly hair, richly embroidered costume, a gentle and slightly dreamy gaze. The charm is immediate. This type of portrait, both tender and solemn, captures a form of poetry characteristic of court art — a subtle balance between official representation and delicate emotion.

Biography of Louis Alexandre de Bourbon (1678–1737)

The legitimised son of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan, Louis Alexandre de Bourbon was granted the title of Count of Toulouse at a very early age. Destined for a brilliant military career, he became Admiral of France at only five years old, and later distinguished himself in several naval campaigns.
A cultivated, discreet and well-regarded man, he remained one of the Sun King’s favourite children. During the Regency, he retained notable influence and played a measured yet respected political role. His life was marked by constant loyalty to the crown and by a reputation for gentleness and moderation.

Overall good condition, recently cleaned and revarnished.