Jean Baptiste Colbert. Cardinal Richelieu

C.W. Jefferys' notes about this picture from The Picture Gallery of Canadian History Volume 1

Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642) was the greatest French statesman of the seventeenth century, and controlled the government under Louis XIII. He broke the power of the turbulent nobles, and united the country under the monarchy, and thus prepared the way for the personal and absolute rule of Louis XIV. On his death he was succeeded by Cardinal Mazarin, under whom Colbert received his training in governmental administration. Richelieu's connection with Canada consisted principally in his foundation of the Company of New France, known as The Hundred Associates, and in his support of missions.

Jean Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683) became chief minister of Louis XIV after the death of Mazarin in 1661. He reorganized the finances, stimulated trade and industry, built up the navy, and directed the colonial policy of France. His economical administration was frustrated by the King's extravagance, and he was supplanted in the royal favour by Louvois, who flattered the vanity of Louis and encouraged his schemes of European supremacy. Colbert's administration put new life into Canada. He instituted the Sovereign Council, supported Talon's policy of developing industry and commerce, and reinforced the colony by sending out the regiment of Carignan, and assisting emigration and settlement.