Charles of France, Duke of Berry (1686-1714) Oil on canvas, 19th century, after an official portrait from the early 18th century.

20250906 102538 Charles de France, Duke of Berry (1686-1714) Oil on canvas, 19th century, after an official portrait from the early 18th century.

Era: XIXth
Provenance: France
Dimensions: 65cm by 54cm
Price: 1400

The model is Charles of France, Duke of Berry, grandson of Louis XIV and son of the Grand Dauphin. Born in Versailles in 1686, he married Marie-Louise-Élisabeth d'Orléans, daughter of the Regent Philippe d'Orléans, in 1710. His life was cut short in 1714, at only 27 years old, but he remains a prominent figure of the Bourbons, placed at the heart of the intrigues of succession to the throne of France.

The artist depicts him in armor, his face illuminated with marked realism, wearing a large black beret and wearing the gold chain with the medallion, symbol of his princely rank.

This devotional painting, of a popular and sincere style, is organized around a central medallion representing the archangel Saint Michael slaying the dragon .
Armed and winged, Saint Michael strikes the demonic beast, echoing the passage from the Apocalypse (XII, 7-9). This powerful iconography embodies the victory of good over the dark forces , but also the spiritual protection granted to the believer.

20250906 103341 Charles de France, Duke of Berry (1686-1714) Oil on canvas, 19th century, after an official portrait from the early 18th century.

20250906 103337 Charles de France, Duke of Berry (1686-1714) Oil on canvas, 19th century, after an official portrait from the early 18th century.

20250906 102525 Charles de France, Duke of Berry (1686-1714) Oil on canvas, 19th century, after an official portrait from the early 18th century.

On the reverse, an ancient inscription includes his main biographical data, testifying to the educational or commemorative use of this painting, probably intended to adorn a historical gallery in the 19th century.