The artwork “Duke Ferdinand-Philippe of Orleans, as St. Ferdinand of Castile” is a neoclassical portrait created by the esteemed artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres in the year 1842. This painting belongs to an art movement characterized by a fascination with classical antiquity, emphasizing clarity, harmony, and restraint.
The artwork presents Duke Ferdinand-Philippe arrayed in the guise of St. Ferdinand of Castile, embodying the saint’s royal and religious virtues. The Duke is portrayed standing upright within a gothic architectural framing, resembling a traditional religious icon. He is adorned in sumptuous regalia, complete with a richly ornamented crown and a halo denoting his saintly status. In his right hand, he brandishes a sword, symbolizing his martial prowess and authority, while his left hand gently cradles an orb surmounted by a cross, signifying Christian leadership and governance.
The portrait’s palette is vibrant and delineates the fine detailing in the Duke’s attire, from the golden embroidery of the cloak to the intricate patterns on the tunic and leggings. The backdrop of the painting features stylized floral and geometric designs, which complement the overall composition, reinforcing the neoclassical aesthetic of balance and symmetry. Beneath the Duke’s feet, an inscription reads “S[anctus] FERDINANDUS REX,” thus identifying the figure with the sanctified king.
Ingres’s technical prowess is displayed through the exacting precision of the lines and the interplay of light and shadow, creating a solemn and dignified representation of the subject. The artwork stands as a testament to the artist’s ability to merge historical themes and grandeur with individual portraiture, thus immortalizing the Duke in the cherished iconography of sainthood.