Portret van Lodewijk XIV, koning van Frankrijk 1642 - 1725

Nicolas de Larmessin’s engraving captures Louis XIV, King of France. It reminds us how rulers deployed images to fashion a carefully controlled public persona. Made in France during Louis XIV's reign, this portrait encapsulates the cultural and political climate of the time. Louis, known as the "Sun King," cultivated an image of absolute authority. The elaborate wig, the ornamented armor, and the regal bearing are all visual cues that project power and status. This wasn't just about personal vanity; it was a carefully constructed performance of kingship. Consider the role of institutions like the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, which standardized artistic styles and promoted the king's image. Larmessin’s print, with its crisp lines and attention to detail, reflects this academic influence. To fully understand this image, we turn to historical sources: court records, royal decrees, and contemporary accounts. These provide insight into the social conditions that shaped Louis XIV's reign and the creation of his carefully crafted public image.