Louis XVI, King of France
(1754-1793), King of France 1774-1792Sitter in 17 portraits
King of France from 1774, grandson of Louis XV and son of Louis the Dauphin. Louis married Marie Antoinette, the daughter of Empress Maria Teresa of Austria, in 1770 when she was only fourteen. They lived a life of unparalleled luxury at Versailles but French finances fell into such confusion during Louis's reign that in 1789 the Estates-General had to be summoned. They declared themselves the National Assembly and the French Revolution began. Louis attempted to flee France in 1791 but was prevented. In August 1792 the Parisian mob stormed the Tuileries palace and took the Royal Family prisoner. Deposed in September 1792, Louis was tried, sentenced for treason and executed at the guillotine in 1793.
by Unknown artist
line engraving, circa 1775-1785
NPG D15378
probably after Joseph Boze
stipple engraving printed in colours, circa 1785-1793
NPG D17868
by James Gillray, published by Samuel William Fores
hand-coloured etching, published 23 June 1787
NPG D12354
'Amsterdam in a dam'd predicament, - or - the last scene of the Republican pantomime'
by James Gillray, published by Samuel William Fores
hand-coloured etching, published 1 November 1787
NPG D12995
by James Gillray, published by James Aitken
hand-coloured etching, published 3 August 1789
NPG D13070
'French democrats surprising the royal runaways'
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 27 June 1791
NPG D12422
'Arrestation de Louis XVI, King of France à Varennes' (Louis XVI, King of France)
by J.B. Cheur, and by Prieur
line and stipple engraving, circa 1791-1800
NPG D15399
by Francesco Bartolozzi, published by C. Guisan, sold by J.F. Tomkins, after Pierre Noel Violet
stipple engraving, published 12 February 1793
NPG D40201
Louis XVI, King of France ('The blood of the murdered crying for vengeance')
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
etching, published 16 February 1793
NPG D12471
Louis XVI, King of France ('The zenith of French glory; - the pinnacle of liberty')
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 12 February 1793
NPG D13014
'Massacre of the unfortunate French King' (Louis XVI, King of France; Antoine Joseph Santerre)
by Thornton, published by Alexander Hogg
line engraving, published 1 April 1793
NPG D15441
'Destruction of the French collossus'
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching and soft-ground etching, published 1 November 1798
NPG D12662
by James Gillray, published by John Wright
etching, published 1 August 1798
NPG D13093
by James Gillray, published by John Wright
hand-coloured etching, published 1 August 1798
NPG D13094
'Political dreamings! - Visions of peace! - Perspective horrors!'
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 9 November 1801
NPG D12769
by Ferdinand Victor Perrot
lithograph, circa 1825-1841
NPG D15440
by John Smith III, after Denis Auguste Marie Raffet
etching, mid 19th century
NPG D13731
Related People
- Louis XV, King of France (grandfather)
- Louis XVII, King of France (son)
- Marie Antoinette of France (wife)
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