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Boîte à portrait of Louis XIV

Miniature portrait by Jean Petitot Swiss
Setting by Pierre Le Tessier de Montarsy French

ca. 1668

Not on view

A jeweled pendant with a miniature portrait of the king, known as a boîte à portrait, was a standard gift presented to ambassadors after they took their leave of Louis XIV’s court. Although the Sun King distributed many such jewels, only three are known to survive; in most cases the precious stones were sold and the miniature recycled. The original recipient of this precious object remains unknown.

Boîte à portrait of Louis XIV, Miniature portrait by Jean Petitot (Swiss, Geneva 1607–1691 Geneva), Painted enamel on gold, silver, set with ninety-two diamonds — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Boîte à portrait of Louis XIV

Artist: Miniature portrait by Jean Petitot (Swiss, Geneva 1607–1691 Geneva)

Mount maker: Setting by Pierre Le Tessier de Montarsy (French) or his son Pierre (French, 1647–1710)

Date: ca. 1668

Medium: Painted enamel on gold, silver, set with ninety-two diamonds

Dimensions: 2 13/16 × 1 5/8 × 5/16 in. (7.2 × 4.2 × 0.8 cm)

Classification: Miniatures

Credit Line: Musée du Louvre, Paris, Département des Objets d’Art (OA 12280)

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European Sculpture and Decorative Arts at The Met

The Met's comprehensive collection of European sculpture and decorative arts reflect the development of a number of art forms in Western European countries from the early fifteenth through the early twentieth century.