Louis of France - Grand Dauphin (1661–1711)
Not signed. Relined canvas 41 x 32.5 cm.
Louis of France or Le Grand Dauphin was born the 1 of November 1661 and died the 14 of April in 1711. Louis was the eldest son and heir, Dauphin, to Louis XIV and Maria Theresa. Unfortunately the Dauphin died of smallpox before he became king. The legend has it that a prophecy told at his birth said he would be "son of a king, father of a king, but never a king". This was thought to be fulfilled as he was the son of Louis XIV of France and father of Philip V of Spain, but did not himself become king.
Louis is depicted in a fashionable justaucorps in red silk with silver and gold braids and a light blue cordon. Around his neck an unusual pink silk necktie with Brussels lace.