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CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD

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Item Details

Imposing Historic Oil Portrait of Jean Philippe d’Orléans, Grand Prieur of the Order of Malta
(after Jean-François de Troy)
Subject & Medium
This portrait depicts Jean Philippe d’Orléans (1702–1748), Grand Prieur of the Order of Malta and acknowledged illegitimate son of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, Regent of France. Shown in radiant gilt ceremonial armour, wearing a powdered wig and the cross of the Order of Malta, he conveys noble lineage, military honour, and cultivated dignity.
Oil on canvas, executed in 1985 by an anonymous artist of the 20th-century British School, after the original by Jean-François de Troy.
Reverse inscription: “H.S. Chevalier d’Orléans after de Troyer.”
Composition & Technique
The sitter appears half-length before a softly modulated background of deep green and warm umber, lending depth and a composed aristocratic atmosphere.
Style:
Reflecting the influence of Jean-François de Troy, the painting embraces Rococo refinement—graceful proportions, a serene countenance, and understated courtly elegance.
Colour:
Metallic golds and silvers enliven the armour; soft pinks and umbers articulate the complexion; crisp whites in the cravat and gentle greys in the wig introduce measured contrast. The atmospheric backdrop enhances the sitter’s prominence.
Technique:
Executed in oil with controlled, polished brushwork, fine glazing, and careful modelling of facial features, armour, and fabrics—closely aligned with 18th-century academic practice.
About the Sitter
Jean Philippe d’Orléans held the influential office of Grand Prieur of the Order of Malta, one of the order’s highest dignities. As the Regent’s son, he moved within the uppermost strata of French political and aristocratic life. He served with distinction in the War of the Austrian Succession and was known for discipline, cultivated taste, and refined comportment. Portraits of him typically projected noble virtue and the dignified heritage of the Orléans dynasty.
Historical Context
During the French Regency (1715–1723), aristocratic portraiture increasingly adopted the elegance and nuanced realism characteristic of the early Rococo. De Troy’s original portrait exemplified these tendencies through its luminous palette, poised expression, and restrained theatricality—all qualities that this 1985 homage faithfully preserves.
About the Artist
Attributed to an anonymous painter of the 20th-century British School, the work pays a conscientious tribute to Jean-François de Troy (1679–1752), celebrated for sophisticated light handling, refined finish, and elegant portrayals of the aristocracy. The spelling “de Troyer” on the reverse is a later variant.
Significance
The painting combines decorative grandeur with historical resonance. Its noble subject, commanding presence, and museum exhibition history give it strong appeal for collectors of classical portraiture, aristocratic history, and Rococo-inspired art.
Frame
Presented in an ornate Rococo-style gilt frame with scrolling motifs and floral ornament. The warm gilding amplifies the luminosity of the armour and enhances the sitter’s dignified bearing.
Dimensions (Framed)
Height: 121 cm
Width: 95.5 cm
Depth: 6.5 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Devon, England
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Autumn 2025
Condition
Good overall visual condition with vibrant colour, stable paint layers, and a clear varnish. The canvas has slackened and would benefit from restretching. No structural issues or paint lifting. The frame is in acceptable condition, with age-appropriate wear, corner losses, and small historic repairs, consistent with the Rococo style. Ready for display.
Shipping
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured for secure international delivery.

  • Period: 1985
    • Price: £5,000.00
    • €5,676 Euro
    • $6,564 US Dollar
  • Location: London
    • Dimensions: H: 121cm (47.64in)
    • W: 95.5cm (37.60in)
    • D: 6.5cm (2.56in)