Portret van Lodewijk XIV 1683

This is Pierre Simon’s portrait of Louis XIV, immortalized in ink at an unknown date, now residing in the Rijksmuseum. Note the fleur-de-lis emblazoned on the king’s mantle – a symbol deeply entwined with French royalty. Originally a representation of the Madonna’s purity, this stylized lily has adorned the shields and banners of French monarchs since the 12th century. Its roots, however, may stretch back further, echoing in the scepters and emblems of ancient rulers who sought to legitimize their power through divine symbols. Consider, then, the psychological weight it carries: each fleur-de-lis is a potent signifier of legitimacy, its repetition across the fabric serving to reinforce the king's absolute authority. The symbol transcends its religious origins to evoke ideas of national identity and royal authority, yet its inherent connection to purity and divinity continues to resonate. This complex interplay of meanings, passed down through generations, reveals how cultural memory shapes our understanding of power and identity.