273 - 17th-century French school, follower of Philippe de CHAMPAIGNE

17th-century French school, follower of Philippe de CHAMPAIGNE Portrait of Cardinal Richelieu Canvas 64 x 48.5 cm Inscription: ARMAND. CARDINAL DVC. DE RICHELIEU Our painting is a reproduction of the head from the large portrait of Richelieu, painted by Philippe de Champaigne in 1635–1636, now in the Chantilly Museum. A replica of the head is in a private collection (see B. Dorival, Philippe de Champaigne 1602–1674. La vie, l’oeuvre et le catalogue raisonné de l’oeuvre, Paris, 1976, no. 205, reproduced in fig. 205, and no. 1784, reproduced in fig. 1784). Beginning in 1635, Philippe de Champaigne worked on several occasions for Cardinal Richelieu, with whom he was close. He painted some twenty portraits, most of which were intended to establish the cardinal’s political and religious authority rather than to convey a psychological portrayal. Among the most famous are the large full-length portrait housed at the Louvre, painted around 1635, and the portrait at the desk, housed at Chantilly, mentioned above. In 1642, Philippe de Champaigne painted the famous triptych featuring a frontal view and two profile views, now in the National Gallery in London. Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu (1585–1642) was a major figure in French history, considered one of the founders of the modern state. He was forced by his family to pursue a career in the church and was created a cardinal in 1622. In 1624, he became the chief minister of Louis XIII, a position he held until his death. He was succeeded by Cardinal Mazarin. Known for his intransigence and firmness, and widely disliked, Cardinal Richelieu had to contend domestically with the Protestants and the nobility, and internationally with the Habsburg Empire. He worked his entire life to strengthen royal power. Expert: René Millet - 01 44 51 05 90 - expert@rmillet.net