Hyacinthe Rigaud: Portrait of the Great Dauphin 1708 Madrid, Palacio Real We have all heard about the "Sun King" Louis XIV who built the palace of Versailles, but who knows about his son "The Grand Dauphin"? This Louis is largely forgotten by history. Versailles has devoted an excellent exhibition to him. Memorialist Saint-Simon called him "Son of a king, father of a king but never a king himself." He also unkindly described the Grand Dauphin as "wallowing in fat and lethargy"! Louis the Grand Dauphin (1661-1711), was given a new title at birth: "Monseigneur". The above painting shows the Grand Dauphin in heroic action as a conqueror at the siege of Philippsburg in 1688 which opened the way to Germany. He was 27 years old. He holds the marshal's baton and wears the white sash of royalty. The royal palace in Spain has loaned the above portrait, along with some precious items from the Dauphin's collection, including a pai...