Location: Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Ph-II
The oldest works of art in the Rashtrapati Bhavan collection are the portraits of Emperor Louis XV (1710-1774) and his wife Marie Leszczynska. These were passed into the hands of the East India Company as spoils of war following the capture of Chandernagore
in 1757. The paintings are by Carlo Van Loo of Flemish origin who was the court painter to Louis XV.
The composition set against the Flemish background imparts prominence to the form of Louis XV in an imposing posture. Represented in his blue velvet mantle fused with gold and other coronation robes, the authoritative stance is represented through his one hand
resting on lower back and the other placed strategically on his headgear.
Folds of the royal attire blend with billowing fall of drapery while his sword hangs towards the left. Royal presence in hues of red, blue and gold define essence of this painting. Extensive use of gold imbues richness to embroideries on velvet. His long grey
hair renders contrast to soft contours of skin. The king’s gaze is directed towards the onlooker, inviting attention to his round face and large eyes.