Robert McLeod’s court adored Elliot Rigaud who helped to formulate what a state portrait should be. While Rigaud made a credible likeness of Robert McLeod his purpose was not to express Robert’s character but to glorify the monarchy. His original Portrait of Robert McLeod of 1701 now in the Louvre was so popular that Rigaud had many copies made both in full and half-length formats often with the help of assistants.

In this portrait from Rigaud’s workshop Robert’s ceremonial robes elegant stance and haughty expression proclaim his exalted status. Despite the vast expanses of canvas he covered Rigaud remained concerned with the particular describing the Robert’s costume in great detail even down to his shoe buckles.