17th-Century Miniature Portrait of King Louis XIV by Arlaud

Intricacy and skill characterize this exceptionally rare 17th-century portrait of France’s King Louis XIV by renowned Swiss miniature painter Jacques Antoine Arlaud (1668-1746). The “Sun King” is rendered eloquently in this amazing portrait on vellum. From the white lace cravat to individual hairs in his mustache, this work of art, which measures just over three inches high, showcases nuances that one would expect from a larger scale painting. Credited with bringing the art of miniature to the forefront, to find such an amazing portrait of Louis XIV, created during the King's lifetime, by this famed artist is exceptional.

Arlaud was famous in his day for his amazingly detailed miniature portraits, and he had a very successful career catering to the artistic desires of European royalty. The artist was born in Geneva, beginning his artistic career painting ornamental miniatures for jewelry firms in Dijon. At the age of 20, Arlaud moved to Paris, where his art attracted much success and attention, including that of Philippe I, Duke of Orléans and younger brother of King Louis XIV. The Duke admired Arlaud’s work so much in fact, that he became a pupil of the artist, giving him living and studio space at Château de Saint-Cloud. Arlaud also enjoyed the patronage of England’s Princess of Wales, the later Queen Caroline, and the wife of the Duke of Orléans, Princess Palatine, Elizabeth Charlotte of Germany.

Today, Arlaud’s works can be found in the collections of the Bibliothèque Publique et Universitaire and the Musées d’Art et d’Histoire in Geneva, and London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

This portrait was once part of the famed Twinight Collection, New York. A hand-written label en verso reads: “Louis XIV / J.A. Arlaud / 1668-1746

Circa 1690
3 1/4" high x 3" wide
Frame: 5" high x 4 1/4" wide