17TH CENTURY FRENCH SCHOOL, WORKSHOP OF PIERRE MIGNARD PORTRAIT OF JEAN-BAPTISTE COLBERT, MARQUIS DE SEIGNELAY (1651-1690) Oval canvas Louis XIV period frame in carved and gilded wood Old restorations 17TH CENTURY French school, workshop of P. Mignard, Portrait of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Marquis de Seignelay, oval canvas 73 x 59,5 cm - 28,7 X 23,2 IN. The eldest son of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the Marquis de Seignelay was prepared from childhood to succeed his father in the management of maritime affairs. A Knight of the Order of the Holy Spirit, he became its Treasurer in 1675. On his father's death in 1683, he inherited the office of Secretary of State for the Navy and the King's Household, and became President of the Royal India Company. Continuing his father's work, he ensured that the French fleet was able to compete with the Dutch and English navies. Appointed Minister of State in 1689, he died suddenly the following year. Our painting is similar to the engraving by Gerard Edelinck after Pierre Mignard.