Louis XV (1715-74) King of France & Navarre Charles-André van Loo (1705-1765)

The composition presents a figure seated on an ornate chair, positioned slightly off-center within the frame. He is clad in a richly detailed costume that blends elements of military regalia and ceremonial attire. A heavy cloak, predominantly blue with gold fleur-de-lis emblems, drapes over his shoulders, partially concealing what appears to be armor beneath. The fabric’s folds are rendered with considerable attention to texture and light, creating a sense of substantial weight and grandeur.
The figures posture is somewhat relaxed; he leans against the chair armrest, one hand resting on a helmet placed beside him. A plume of white feathers rises from the helmet, adding height and visual dynamism to the arrangement. The face exhibits an expression that appears both composed and slightly weary, suggesting a man accustomed to responsibility yet perhaps burdened by it.
Behind the figure, a dramatic curtain in shades of green and gold creates a backdrop that emphasizes his presence. The deep shadows cast by the drapery contribute to a sense of depth and theatricality. A patterned carpet covers the floor, its intricate design adding another layer of visual complexity.
The overall effect is one of deliberate display intended to convey authority and power. The combination of military armor and royal symbols suggests a ruler who embodies both strength and lineage. However, the relaxed posture and somewhat subdued expression introduce an element of human vulnerability that tempers the image’s overt assertion of dominance. Its possible to interpret this as a subtle commentary on the weight of leadership or perhaps a deliberate attempt by the artist to portray a more relatable monarch. The careful arrangement of objects – the helmet, the plume, the cloak – all contribute to constructing an aura of regal solemnity and controlled power.