Charles X in his Coronation Robes

Charles X in his Coronation Robes by Jean–Auguste–Dominique Ingres (French, 1780–1867) is a refined study dating from the period 1828 to 1867. This delicate piece, classified as a painting despite its scale, utilizes watercolor meticulously applied over a foundational layer of graphite on ivory laid paper. Ingres meticulously prepared the composition, evidenced by the squaring in red chalk and graphite, a precise technique used historically to transfer or scale the image accurately onto a larger surface. The comprehensive preparatory work, including the perimeter mounting on cream wove paper and wrapping on board, suggests the seriousness with which Ingres approached even these smaller studies for grander royal portraiture.

Charles X, the final Bourbon monarch of France, reigned during a politically transitional period before the July Revolution of 1830. The subject matter, focusing on the elaborate, ermine-lined coronation robes, underscores the perceived royal authority and classical tradition Ingres often referenced in his official commissions. This particular work, originating from France, is a significant example of Ingres’s careful methodology, demonstrating his characteristic precision even in miniature format. Housed in the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, this painting remains an important resource for scholars studying 19th-century portraiture and French royal iconography. Due to its status and historical importance, high-quality prints derived from the original image are often sought after, sometimes made freely available through public domain access, further cementing the artwork's scholarly visibility.