Portrait of Cardinal Guillaume Dubois
Hyacinthe Rigaud·1723
Historical Context
Hyacinthe Rigaud's 1723 portrait of Cardinal Guillaume Dubois captures the powerful chief minister of the regency government of France during Louis XV's minority. Dubois, a cunning diplomat who rose from humble origins to become a cardinal and effective ruler of France, was one of the most controversial figures of the Regency era. Rigaud, the foremost French portrait painter, rendered his subjects with a combination of flattery and psychological insight.
Technical Analysis
Rigaud's oil-on-canvas technique showcases his legendary skill in rendering the sumptuous cardinal's robes with fluid, confident brushwork that captures the sheen of silk and the weight of fabric. The warm palette and focused lighting on the face demonstrate Rigaud's mastery of official portraiture.
Provenance
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio; (Wildenstein & Co., New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art); (Hôtel Drouot, sale, Dec. 10, 1956, lot Q, sold to Wildenstein & Co.)1; Edouard Kann, Berlin1; (Duveen Brothers, Paris, sold to Edouard Kann)1; Rodolphe Kann, Paris, collection purchased by the Duveen Brothers; (Possibly P. & D. Colnaghi, London) 1; (Sale, Christie, Manson & Woods, London, May 21, 1892, no. 68, possibly sold to P. & D. Colnaghi)1; George Francis Wyndham, 4th Earl of Egremont [1786 – 1845]; Mlle. Violat (heiress of Cardinal Dubois), Chateau de Villemenon, near Brie-Comte-Robert 1
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