King Louis XVI of France (1754-1793), in ermine-trimmed coronation robes and wearing the Royal Order of the Holy Spirit, powdered wig

Details

LOUIS-MARIE SICARDI (FRENCH, 1746-1825)
King Louis XVI of France (1754-1793), in ermine-trimmed coronation robes and wearing the Royal Order of the Holy Spirit, powdered wig
signed and dated 'Sicardy 1782' (mid-right)
on ivory
oval, 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.) high, gold brooch frame with paste surround and engraved reverse with crown

Provenance

Alleyne FitzHerbert, Baron St. Helens (1753-1839), in 1783, and by descent to his nephew Sir Henry FitzHerbert, 3rd Bt. (1783-1858).

Literature

Catalogue of Pictures and Curios at Tissington Hall, 1887, by Ida, daughter of Sir William FitzHerbert, 4th Bt., as 'Miniature Portrait of Louis XVI of France, presented to Alleyne FitzHerbert (afterwards Lord St. Helens) as one of the signatories of the Peace of Versailles at Paris in 1783. This portrait was originally set in diamonds which were subsequently replaced by the present imitations in paste by his lordship'

Special notice

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Lot Essay

Court dress was worn on ceremonial occasions by Louis XVI, his wife Marie-Antionette and their courtiers throughout his reign (Philip Mansel, Dressed to Rule; Royal and Court Costume from Louis XIV to Elizabeth II, New Haven and London, 2005, p. 34). The present example, which is dated to 1782 may commemorate the birth of the Dauphin on 21 January of the same year.

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