Studio of Hyacinthe Rigaud Portrait of Cardinal de Fleury (1653-1743)

Studio of Hyacinthe Rigaud

Portrait of Cardinal de Fleury (1653-1743), half-length

Oil on canvas

80.6 x 64.5cm; 31¾ x 25in

Literature:

Stéphan Perreau, Hyacinthe Rigaud Catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre, online catalogue raisonné, P1349 (version 30)

'If ever there was a happy man upon earth it was doubtless Cardinal de Fleury. He was looked upon as the most amiable man, and the best companion in the world, till the age of 73 and at a time when most men retire from public life, he undertook to hold the helm of government. He was considered as one of the wisest of ministers...his gentleness and moderation were equally worthy of admiration...he proved that those of a gentle and pacific character are born to govern others'

- Voltaire

André-Hercule de Fleury became Bishop of Fréjus in 1698, tutor and First Minister of Louis XV in 1715, and a cardinal in 1726. He is chiefly remembered for his astute diplomacy during the early years of Louis XV's reign. This is one of numerous versions of the Cardinal's portrait produced by Rigaud's studio between 1728 and 1735.