Louis Philippe I (1773–1850) was the last King of France, reigning from 1830 to 1848 during the 'July Monarchy'. Born into the House of Orléans, he supported the French Revolution but spent 21 years in exile, during which time he taught school under a fake name and travelled across the United States. He ascended the throne following the July Revolution of 1830, presenting himself as a modest, umbrella-carrying "Citizen King" who bridged absolute monarchy and republicanism. His highly unstable reign was marked by growing conservatism, leading to discontent that saw at least seven assassination attempts on his life. The most notorious occurred in 1835, when an assassin used a 25-barrel "infernal machine" to fire a volley into the royal procession. Eighteen people were killed, but miraculously Louis Philippe escaped with only a minor scratch. Ultimately, his refusal to expand voting rights and poor economic conditions triggered the Revolution of 1848, forcing him to abdicate and flee to England, where he died in exile.

Size
Frame measures 27x23cms

Condition
Small loss to Inner Frame detail at 4 o'clock

Medium
Collectibles

Literature
Contemporary Gilt Frame