France / 1738–40
Portrait of Jean-Gabriel du Theil at the Signing of the Treaty of Vienna
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Portrait of Jean-Gabriel du Theil at the Signing of the Treaty of Vienna as painting (France · 1738–40).
Smoke rising from the candle suggests that du Theil has just added his molten wax seal to the document before him.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Jacques André Joseph Aved (French, 1702–1766).
The museum's collection notes: 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
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtPortrait of Jean-Gabriel du Theil at the Signing of the Treaty of ViennaOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.