Production: Perrot, Bernard (Altare, 02/29/1640 - Orléans, 11/10/1709) (Glassmaker)
Portrait of Louis XIV
Portrait of Louis XIV
Production: 1687 - 1695
Estate: Glassmaking
Technique(s): Glass, wood (direct carving)
Dimensions : H. 48 cm ; W. 39 cm ; D.5 cm
Inventory no.: A.7162
Photo credit(s) :
Lauginie, François
Cartel
Among the Altare glassmakers migrating to Europe in the 17th century, Perrot is recognized as the most inventive. He perfected "table-cast glass", which doubled the dimensions of his competitors' mirrors from 80 to 162 centimeters in length. To gain exclusive rights to this new process, he applied for a privilege, which was granted in September 1688.
The most spectacular works produced using this technique are the medallions depicting Louis XIV and his brother the Duc d'Orléans. Today, nine examples are known worldwide, which makes the collection of these two pieces exceptional: they present a portrait of Louis XIV in transparent colorless glass, the king's bust being painted in the version deposited in the museum. The king is depicted in profile, in the style of a medal or cameo. A wig frames his face, while a radiant sun on his chest evokes the solar god Apollo, with whom he identified. The work can be precisely dated, as the manufacturing process was presented by Perrot to the Académie des Sciences on April 9, 1687.
In 1695, the manufacturing equipment was seized from the glassmaker's home on rue Notre-Dame-de-Recouvrance in Orléans. This recovery of equipment was carried out at the request of the Compagnie de Plastrier (later Compagnie Saint-Gobain), which then obtained exclusive rights to manufacture ice. While continuing to produce luxury goods, Perrot stopped making ice cream, receiving a life pension in compensation.
Provenance
Gift of Monsieur Dufresné, 1828.
School
France
Location
Museum of Fine Arts
1st floor
Room: At the court of Louis XIV