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

This bronze bust of Louis, the Grand Dauphin, by French sculptor François Girardon, is a striking example of Baroque portraiture. Created between 1685 and 1699, it depicts the son of King Louis XIV, wearing armor, with a flowing wig and a serious expression. The detailed rendering of the armor and the dramatic, life-size scale convey the grandeur and power associated with the Dauphin. The bust, currently at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, provides a glimpse into the artistry and symbolism of the French court during the reign of Louis XIV.