Portret van Lodewijk XV, koning van Frankrijk 1720 - 1750

Editor: This is a portrait of Louis XV, King of France, created sometime between 1720 and 1750 by Coenraet Waumans. It’s an engraving, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. The detail is striking for this medium. What formal elements stand out to you? Curator: The first element that captures my attention is the careful control of line and texture to construct a regal, if somewhat rigid, composition. Observe the contrasts – the smooth, polished armor versus the delicate, almost feathery curls of his hair. What purpose might this juxtaposition serve, visually? Editor: Perhaps to emphasize both his power as a king, and his aristocratic status. It makes me wonder, though, if that contrast creates a visual tension that slightly undermines the image’s intended message of authority? Curator: Indeed, an insightful observation. Note also the oval frame that encloses the subject. This immediately confines and orders our gaze. This shape lends to the portrait a structural stability. Is this artistic intention or something else entirely? Editor: That’s fascinating, because it simultaneously contains and showcases him, adding to the overall sense of controlled power but then maybe that is what defines royal portraiture? I hadn’t really considered it that way before. It makes you focus in on him in a striking way. Curator: Exactly, by examining formal aspects we start to observe some crucial, interesting insights!