Portrait of Jean-Gabriel du Theil at the Signing of the Treaty of Vienna1738–40 · Study 1964.89

Context from the museum

As secretary of foreign affairs for Louis XV of France, Jean-Gabriel du Theil (1685–1755) helped negotiate the 1738 Treaty of Vienna, which ceded the Duchy of Lorraine to France. The seal du Theil holds in his hand, the silver-gilt writing set, and the thick document all allude to these negotiations, while the wisp of smoke rising from the candle used to melt the sealing wax suggests that the treaty has only just concluded. Du Thiel’s relaxed posture conveys calm assurance, but his sharp gaze is that of a shrewd negotiator. A costume encrusted with gold embroidery and (just visible at his chest) the pink ribbon and star of the royal Order of Saint Lazarus, are visible manifestations of du Theil’s prestigious position.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

Smoke rising from the candle suggests that du Theil has just added his molten wax seal to the document before him.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for Portrait of Jean-Gabriel du Theil at the Signing of the Treaty of Vienna is 92.4 cm wide and 124.5 cm high, equivalent to approximately 36.4 × 49.0 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.74:1. The rectangular bounding area is 1.15 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 30.8% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 103.8 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Portrait of Jean-Gabriel du Theil at the Signing of the Treaty of Vienna in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on canvas, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 92.4 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?