Louis XVI and Family

This rare jugate profile image of Louis XVI with his wife Marie Antoinette and their eldest children, Marie Thérèse and Louis-Joseph, was engraved and printed on silk by J. Harding in 1793, the year of the French King’s execution. The image is most likely after one by Piat Joseph Sauvage.

John Harding (c1764-1805) was an engraver and printer working initially in partnership with William Timbrell at 28 Strand. The firm later moved to 164 Piccadilly, the address given on this engraving. His trade card (held in the British Museum) advertised “A Great Assortment of Medallions Drawings, &c. Arms for Books, &c. Drawing on Silk for Embroidering or Cloth Work”.

Unfortunately the silk has been cut down though the remnant bearing the title has been retained within the frame as shown. The silk is set in a period dark wood frame, the backing board inscribed in ink “Miss Ansell / From / Miss Edmonds”.