Portret van Lodewijk V, koning van West-Francië 1642 - 1678

Nicolas de Larmessin I's portrait of Louis V, King of West Francia, was created as an engraving. Consider the weight of inherited power represented here. Louis V, who reigned briefly in the late 10th century, embodies the complexities of leadership passed down through generations, and Larmessin captures this through the king's formal attire. How did this image function as propaganda, or as an articulation of the divine right of kings? What impact did the circulation of images like these have on the populace? This portrait also speaks volumes about the construction of masculinity in the 17th century, when it was made. The delicate lines and attention to detail create an image of power intertwined with refinement and elegance. This contrasts with modern notions of masculinity, which are often tied to strength and virility. This engraving serves as a reminder of the changing narratives surrounding leadership, gender, and power across centuries.