In 1824 Gérard was commissioned by the French government to paint a portrait of the new king, Charles X, in his coronation robes. It was exhibited at the 1825 Salon, where it enjoyed considerable success. Numerous large versions were subsequently produced of which The Bowes Museum's painting is one. The building in the background may possibly be part of the church of St. Cloud.
Charles-Philippe (1757-1836) was a grandson of Louis XV and became Comte d’Artois at birth. As a young prince he acquired a rather notorious reputation at the French Court, which together with his strong belief in aristocratic rights and privileges made him a particularly hated figure by revolutionists. In 1789 his brother, Louis XVI, ordered him to leave France and he eventually settled at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
From this time until his death Charles became increasingly devout in his Catholic faith and traditional in his views. The French monarchy was restored in 1814, and in 1824 on the death of his brother, Louis XVIII, he became king, aged 67. From his coronation onwards, Charles’s attempts to reverse the ideals of the revolution made him deeply unpopular, and in July 1830 public revolts forced him to abdicate and flee to Britain.
- TitleCharles X in his Coronation Robes
- Object numberB.M.246
- Collection
- Creator
- Production placeFrance
- School/styleFrench
- Object name
- Material
- Technique
- Dimensions
- Length: 257.3 cm
- Width: 180.3 cm
- Length: Frame 288 cm
- Width: Frame 208 cm