Pierre Louis van Schuppen (1627-1702), after design by François de Troy (1645-1730), Ludovicus delphinus Ludovici Magni filius (The Dauphin Louis), Son of Louis XIV of France, 1684. Engraving and etching. II/II. Graphic Arts Collection. GA2013- in process. Purchased with funds provided by the David A. Gardner ’69 Magic Project.

Engraved by the Flemish draftsman Pierre Louis van Schuppen (1627-1702), this portrait of Louis de France, the Grand Dauphin, reproduces a painting by François de Troy (1645-1730), which has since been lost. Our print is the second of two states, including four sun-related emblems in the corners.

Louis of France (1661–1711) was the eldest son and heir of Louis XIV, King of France, and his spouse, Maria Theresa of Spain. As the heir apparent to the French throne, he was called ‘Dauphin’ and later, ‘Le Grand Dauphin’ after the birth of his own son, ‘Le Petit Dauphin’.

The mottos read:
Ex sole decor [Beauty born from the Sun],

Aspicit atque se pingit [The Sun watches and paints himself],

Extendo cum sole ramos [Branches will spread under the Sun]

Per me renascetur [Through me, he is reborn]