This little boy, aged about
two, was a member of the second most powerful
family in France, descended from the brother
of King Louis XIV of France. The rich green drapery,
plumed bonnet and confident grasp of the horse’s
ribbons recall the grandest portraits of grown-up
princes and soldiers. Other details emphasise
the playfulness and fragility of childhood such
as the toys and extraordinarily delicate flowers
which decorate the toddler’s robe. A silver
and coral rattle hangs from his waist. Coral
was often used for babies’ rattles because
sucking it can soothe the pain of teething and
it was believed to ward off evil. As well as
a pull-along cat, doll and hobby-horse, we can
see a toy boat made of two playing cards. The
cards might also wittily suggest the royal power
games into which this infant had been born. |
