In addition to portraiture, Nocret, who worked mainly in Paris, was known for his mythological and allegorical compositions, fancifully painted and often rich in color. Among his most famous works is life-size group portrait of the family of King Louis XIV painted in 1670 which is in the collection of the Château de Versailles. In contrast, this likeness portrays a somewhat melancholy soldier dressed in elaborate armor who confronts the viewer with a weary gaze. One arm rests on a helmet decorated with feather plumes, and he holds a wooden baton in his hands. Political intrigue and military combat marked much of François de Vendôme’s life. In 1669, while commanding French troops on Crete against the Turks, he was killed in a night sortie.