Maurice de Saxe was the illegitimate son of Augustus II of Saxony; he embarked on a career in the Imperial army when he was twelve years’ old. In 1720 he obtained a commission in the French army, in which he served for the rest of his life. He became famous for his exploits at the Battles of Fontenoy (1745), Rocourt (1746) and Lawfeld (1747). He was appointed Marchal of France in 1744 and ‘maréchal général des camps et des armées du roi’ in 1747. In that year he helped to bring about the marriage of his niece, Maria Josepha of Saxony (1731-67), to Louis, Dauphin of France (1729-65).

This pastel on paper is a version of the one in the Cabinet des Dessin of the Louvre (Inv 27611), dated 1747-8. The sitter is shown in the blue band of the Order of the Saint-Esprit and the white scarf of command.