Inauguratie van het standbeeld van Lodewijk XV met een stoet ruiters die rond het beeld rijdt 1766

Augustin de Saint-Aubin made this drawing, "Inauguration of the statue of Louis XV" using pen and gray ink. The image shows the public role of art in 18th century France. The statue itself is an assertion of power, but the inauguration ceremony, with its procession of riders and gathered crowds, adds another layer of meaning. We see how the monarchy used spectacle to reinforce its authority and cultivate an image of royal grandeur. The riders, likely members of the aristocracy, emphasize the social hierarchy. The drawing acts as a record and promotion of the event, reinforcing the King's image. To understand this image better, one could research the political climate of France under Louis XV, the history of royal portraiture, and the role of public ceremonies in maintaining social order. By examining these historical and cultural factors, we gain a deeper appreciation of the complex relationship between art, power, and society.