Portret van Lodewijk XIV in een medaillon opgehouden door Minerva 1697 - 1767

This print, made by Jean-Baptiste Massé, presents Louis XIV in a medallion held by Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare. The iconography here is overt: Louis, framed by Minerva, embodies both military might and intellectual prowess. But let us consider the medallion itself. This circular form echoes ancient Roman portrait medallions, tokens of power and imperial authority. It suggests an unbroken lineage of leadership, harking back to the Caesars. Medallions, as symbols, have reappeared throughout history - consider their appearance during the Renaissance, a period of renewed interest in classical antiquity. The act of holding the medallion aloft is of significance too. Minerva presents Louis as an object of veneration. This isn’t merely a portrait, but a carefully constructed piece of propaganda, designed to imprint upon the collective memory an image of the Sun King as wise, powerful, and divinely ordained. It's a projection of power meant to evoke awe and obedience, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, and cementing Louis's image in the annals of history. The symbolic cycle continues.