The Inauguration of the Statue of Louis XV, Vignette on page 1, from Description des Travaux qui ont précédé. accompagné et suivi la fonte en bronze d'un seul jet de la Statue Equèstre de Louis XV le bien-aimé dressée sur les mémoires de M. Lempereur ancien Echevin. Par M. Mariette, Honoraire amateur de l'Académie Royale de Peinture et Sculpture, A Paris de l'Imprimerie de P.G. Le Mercier 1766

Editor: So, this print is titled "The Inauguration of the Statue of Louis XV" by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, made in 1766. It’s a depiction of a momentous event. The detail is quite stunning. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ah, yes. This is more than just an inauguration scene, wouldn't you say? It is an artifact, really, documenting a precise historical moment. I can almost smell the gunpowder and hear the celebratory cries. But look closer; what do you think Saint-Aubin is trying to convey beyond mere documentation? Is it reverence? Is it simply recording an event, like a town crier relaying the local happenings? Editor: I'm thinking that this work is trying to show the power of the king in the presence of the people. And how sculpture could have had an important propagandistic mission in the late 18th century. Curator: Absolutely, the scale, for example! Consider the careful arrangement, too. How Saint-Aubin manages to convey the density of the crowd and yet keep Louis XV, atop his steed, as the unwavering focal point. Don’t you think it speaks volumes about the carefully constructed image of monarchy at the time? Almost as if the sculptor wasn't just sculpting bronze, but also sculpting public opinion. I feel Saint-Aubin’s mark-making acts as time-travel device. Editor: Yes, the artist almost seems to anticipate a modern need to document history and immortalize leaders through these portraits. It’s really fascinating. Curator: Indeed, and it reminds us that even seemingly straightforward historical records are imbued with intention and perspective. It makes you wonder about the stories behind all those faces, doesn’t it? It does for me, every single time. Editor: Definitely makes you think differently about the role of art. Thanks for sharing your perspective!