Louis of France, The Grand Dauphin (1661–1711) 1685 - 1699

François Girardon created this bronze bust of Louis, the Grand Dauphin of France, sometime between 1661 and 1711. The image presents us with a set of visual codes. Consider, for instance, the armor. In 17th-century France, it no longer had the same military purpose as in previous centuries, but it functioned as a signifier of power. Likewise, the flowing wig marks the figure as a member of the French court. Royal patronage was the bedrock of artistic production at this time, with institutions such as the Royal Academy playing a key role in the training of artists and the promotion of particular styles. Sculpture and portraiture were harnessed to the absolutist aims of the court. Art historians consult a wide range of documentary resources to understand how figures like the Grand Dauphin wielded power, and how artists like Girardon helped to promote their image. This bronze bust provides an insight into the social and institutional context of the French court.