This boy, aged about two, was from the second most powerful family in France, descended from the brother of King Louis XIV. Louis-Philippe (1747-1793) grew up to become the duc d'Orléans. During the French Revolution he voted for the execution of his cousin Louis XVI and was guillotined himself. This portrait celebrates the toddler's youth and liveliness. It emphasizes health and wealth and hints at the hopes people had for him in adulthood. The green curtain, feathered bonnet and the confident way the little boy holds the horse's ribbons recall grand portraits of grown-up princes and soldiers.

The toys and delicate flowers on the child's robe suggest the playfulness and fragility of childhood. The rattle hanging from his waist is of silver and coral. 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, there is a boat made of two playing cards. There are more cards in a basket. Artists often used them to suggest the role of chance and uncertainty in people's lives. They might also refer to the political power games into which this infant had been born.