Louis de France, called Le Grand Dauphin or Monseigneur 1677

This engraving of Louis de France, or Le Grand Dauphin, was created by Robert Nanteuil. Notice the fleur-de-lis, repeated in the corners of the oval frame; this stylized lily has been used for centuries to symbolize French royalty. But where does it come from? Long before it adorned the banners of France, the lily was associated with purity, innocence, and even divine favor in various cultures. Think of the Madonna lily in Renaissance paintings, a symbol of the Virgin Mary’s chastity. Over time, the French monarchy adopted it, transforming it into a potent emblem of their divine right to rule. The image of the Dauphin, framed by these lilies, taps into a deep well of cultural memory, evoking feelings of reverence, tradition, and the unbroken chain of power. It is a psychological imprint, a symbol of authority, passed down and reshaped through generations.