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Nguyễn Phúc Cảnh

1787

Not on view

Maupérin portrays the seven-year-old crown prince of Cochinchina (modern Vietnam) in a fanciful costume that conflates a Western silhouette with Eastern influences, including an intricately tied turban that inspired French wig designers, igniting a fashion craze. Rebellion at home had brought the prince to Versailles to seek aid in 1787, and he received an intimate reception; the prince played with the royal children but also met with dignitaries such as Thomas Jefferson. The mandarin’s hats on the table and chair may represent gifts he brought with him.

Nguyễn Phúc Cảnh, Maupérin, Oil on canvas — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Nguyễn Phúc Cảnh

Artist: Maupérin

Date: 1787

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions: Framed: 69 1/8 × 45 11/16 in. (175.5 × 116 cm)
Unframed: 62 3/8 × 39 3/8 in. (158.5 × 100 cm)

Classification: Paintings

Credit Line: Société des Missions Etrangères de Paris

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