The Birth of the Dauphin
1622–1625 Louvre Museum
About this artwork
This is one of twenty-four large-scale paintings from the Marie de' Medici cycle commissioned by the queen herself for the Luxembourg Palace. It depicts the allegorical birth of the future Louis XIII, with Lucina, the goddess of childbirth, appearing to provide assistance.
Did you know?
This monumental cycle was commissioned by Marie de' Medici to decorate her new residence, the Palais du Luxembourg in Paris. Rubens was given immense creative freedom to glorify the queen's life, and he expertly blended classical mythology with contemporary historical figures to elevate her political narrative. The series is considered one of the most ambitious artistic commissions of the 17th century, showcasing Rubens's mastery of drama and composition.
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The Birth of the Dauphin
Peter Paul Rubens, 1622–1625
