Neptune and other Marine Deities Paying Homage to Louis XIV 1655 - 1708

Michel Corneille the Younger created this drawing of Neptune and other Marine Deities Paying Homage to Louis XIV with pen and brown ink, heightened with white, over a black chalk sketch. The drawing brings together a range of materials to create an intriguing effect. The choice of pen and ink allows for fine detail, particularly in the figures' faces and clothing, while the black chalk provides depth and shadow. The touches of white heightening add contrast and drama, drawing the eye to key areas of the composition. The drawing’s cultural significance lies in its depiction of Louis XIV as a powerful ruler, revered even by the gods of the sea. This reflects the opulence of the court of Versailles, and the absolutist regime that Louis cultivated. The drawing itself may have been a study for a larger work, perhaps a painting or tapestry intended to glorify the king. It underscores the degree to which craft and fine art were intertwined in the service of power. The artist skillfully combines different media to create an image that is both visually striking and politically charged.