Charles X, 1757-1836, King of France

This portrait of Charles X at the National Portrait Gallery of Sweden records the last Bourbon king before the revolution that ended his reign. The Swedish collection reflects the diplomatic exchanges between the French and Swedish courts during the Restoration period. Gérard's polished oil technique combined David's classical drawing with a softer, more elegant approach to figure modelling and a more refined color harmony, producing portraits of cool aristocratic distinction.

Gérard’s royal portrait follows Bourbon iconographic conventions. The polished technique creates a dignified image appropriate to international diplomatic portraiture.