Louis de France (1754-93) duc de Berry and Louis de France (1755-1824) comte de Provence (later Louis XVI and Louis XVIII) Francois-Hubert Drouais (1727-1775)

The composition presents two young boys seated in a lush, somewhat overgrown garden setting. The figures dominate the foreground, positioned centrally and bathed in soft light that emphasizes their elaborate attire. One boy is slightly forward, holding a basket overflowing with fruit; he offers an apple towards the viewer. His companion sits beside him, his gaze directed outwards, seemingly engaged with something beyond the immediate frame.
The boys are dressed in richly detailed costumes – the dominant color scheme revolves around deep reds and golds, accented by delicate lace and ribbons. The fabrics appear luxurious, suggesting a deliberate display of wealth and status. Their hairstyles, meticulously arranged beneath elaborate headwear, further reinforce this impression of aristocratic privilege. The careful rendering of textures – the sheen of silk, the crispness of lace – indicates a high level of technical skill on the part of the artist.
Behind the boys, a large urn is partially obscured by foliage, contributing to an atmosphere of controlled abundance and hinting at classical influences in taste. The background itself is loosely painted, suggesting depth but avoiding sharp detail, which keeps the focus firmly on the two children.
Subtleties within the painting suggest more than just a straightforward portrait. The offering of fruit carries symbolic weight; it can be interpreted as an allusion to prosperity and generosity, qualities expected of future rulers. The boys’ proximity suggests familial bonds and perhaps a shared destiny, while their slightly different postures – one actively engaging with the viewer, the other observing – might hint at contrasting personalities or roles they are destined to play. The overgrown nature of the garden, though aesthetically pleasing, introduces an element of ambiguity; it could symbolize the challenges inherent in maintaining power or the unpredictable nature of fate. The overall effect is one of carefully constructed imagery designed to project an image of royal lineage and future promise.