Antoine Coypel was a French painter, pastellist, engraver, decorative designer and draughtsman. He became court painter first to Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, and later to King Louis XV. He became director of the Académie Royale. He was given the title of Garde des tableaux et dessins du roi, a function which combined the role of director and curator of the king's art collection. He was raised to the nobility by the French king. He is known for his history paintings, biblical, mythological and allegorical works, portraits and genre scenes.

Monsieur Philippe I, Duke of Orléans was the younger son of King Louis XIII of France and Anne of Austria, and the younger brother of King Louis XIV. He was the founder of the House of Orléans, a cadet branch of the ruling House of Bourbon.