Louis XVI (1754–1793), King of France 1790

This miniature portrait of Louis XVI, King of France, was painted in 1790 by Jean Laurent Mosnier. The painting depicts the King in a regal pose, wearing a lavishly embroidered coat and a blue sash with a large cross. This miniature, only 2 3/4 inches in diameter, demonstrates the popular format for portraiture during the late 18th century, as it was a practical size for personal collections and gifts. It is now a part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.