2017.9
Portrait of Joseph Jean-Baptiste Fleuriau d’Armenonville (1661-1728) Conseiller d’Etat
Artist
Hyacinthe Rigaud (Hyacinthe François Honoré Mathias Pierre André Jean Rigau y Ro
(Perpignan, France, 7/18/1659 - 12/29/1743, Paris, France)
Title
Portrait of Joseph Jean-Baptiste Fleuriau d’Armenonville (1661-1728) Conseiller d’Etat
Creation Date
ca. 1708
Century
early 18th century
Dimensions
14 7/8 x 11 9/16 in. (38 x 29 cm)
Object Type
drawing
Creation Place
Europe, France
Medium and Support
black and white chalk and black ink, grey wash, heightened with white on blue paper
Credit Line
Gift of George and Elaine Keyes, two Anonymous Donors and the Lloyd O. and Marjorie Strong Coulter Fund
Copyright
This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s
Copyright Terms and Conditions.
Accession Number
2017.9
Hyacinthe Rigaud was the preferred portraitist of Louis XIV and XV and made canonical contributions to the art of French absolutism and of early eighteenth-century Europe. He adapted the European portrait tradition to the specific needs of the French court, developing the “portrait d’apparat” as a showpiece of great formality and elegance. This portrait drawing, a presentation drawing squared for transfer to a larger canvas, or perhaps to the engraver’s plate, makes Rigaud’s skill apparent. The sensitively rendered face is surrounded with a myriad of compelling, detailed elements that all indicate the sitter’s elevated status, elegance, and erudition. d’Armenonville was one of thirty Councilors of State, a lucrative position, which placed him right below the rank of prince and cardinal.