Koninklijke Almanak van Lodewijk XIV, 1705 1706

This is an anonymous print from 1705, titled "Koninklijke Almanak van Lodewijk XIV," created with engraving. The visual dominance here is the radiating structure, mimicking the sun's rays, where each line is densely inscribed with text. This design immediately evokes a sense of cosmic order and centralized power. The lines converge on an image of Louis XIV, positioned at the center, suggesting he is the focal point, almost the sun, around which everything else revolves. The structure suggests a symbolic system. The radial lines denote a calendar, each segment representing a period of time, and the text contains astronomical or astrological information. Louis XIV embodies the state, and his power and destiny are intertwined with the cosmos. It merges science, politics, and symbolism into a cohesive representation of royal authority. The overall structure, where text and image work together, invites us to consider how semiotic systems are used to construct and reinforce power structures.