Portret van Lodewijk XII 1838 - 1841

Ephraïm Conquy drew this portrait of Louis XII in the 19th century. In it, Louis gestures with an open hand, a motif with roots stretching back to antiquity, symbolizing magnanimity and openness. Consider how this gesture echoes in Roman oratory, where open hands signified sincerity, or in early Christian art, where it represented divine blessing. These traditions intertwine and evolve, yet the underlying intent remains, conveying a potent sense of authority and beneficence. Now, observe the heraldic symbols emblazoned on the pillar beside Louis. Coats of arms, like visual family trees, encode lineage and power. They are a language of symbols that speaks directly to our subconscious, evoking a deep-seated sense of belonging and heritage. Such emblems have shifted from tools of identification to potent symbols of dynasty, resonating with both pride and, at times, exclusion. These symbols persist, ever changing, in our collective psyche.