Doos van koning Lodewijk IX van Frankrijk, gezien op het deksel c. 1876 - 1883

This is a photograph of the lid of King Louis IX of France’s box, made by Léon Vidal. Vidal lived in a time of rising nationalism in France. His work reflects a fascination with historical artifacts and figures like Louis IX, who was idealized as a symbol of French royalty and Catholic virtue. The lid is decorated with medallions containing images, suggesting the King's power and authority. This imagery also served to legitimize the monarchy by linking it to divine will and historical continuity. The photograph itself can be seen as a symbol of cultural preservation, capturing and immortalizing a piece of French history. The image, with its intricate designs, serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional and political power that objects can hold, as well as the complex ways in which history, identity, and representation intersect.