Allegorie op Lodewijk XIV (bovenste deel) 1668

Curator: Right, let's dive in. What we're looking at is “Allegory on Louis XIV (upper part)", a 1668 engraving by Francois de Poilly, here at the Rijksmuseum. Instantly striking, isn't it? Editor: Wow. Over the top doesn't even begin to cover it, does it? It’s like Baroque turned up to eleven. My first thought? Power, theatricality… and maybe a tiny bit of self-importance. Curator: Self-importance indeed, quite characteristic of the period! This print isn’t merely decorative. As an allegory, it speaks to Louis XIV's ambition to align his reign with progress in arts and sciences. You see the personification of philosophy at the bottom right, for instance, seemingly dictating terms for a new era. Editor: Exactly! She seems very preoccupied, and all of the other figures strike these very precise attitudes, too. So much posture! I mean, that winged figure trumpeting something above… what is she proclaiming? Curator: Victory, likely. Or rather, the promise of it. Remember, this was carefully orchestrated propaganda. Every detail would have been chosen to convey absolute authority and the glory of France under his rule. The use of the triumphal arch under construction on the right reinforces that too; that’s no random scaffold. Editor: Right. This piece feels... monumental. It's trying so hard to convey importance. What I do like, I think, is how dynamic the piece is with the waterfalls seemingly about to flood the canvas from that enormous fountain. It gives movement, a strange feeling of being both in the clouds, yet still somehow grounded on solid architectural foundation. Curator: Indeed, water features very prominently at the time—like the Gardens of Versailles—signifying mastery over nature, and resources at the King's command. More broadly though, how do you reconcile engaging with art meant to lionize oppressive regimes, while honoring the art itself? Editor: Tough question! It's like appreciating the craft of a beautifully designed weapon. It highlights the strange dance between admiring the skill, the pure craft, without condoning the message. The trick is to analyze, discuss, dissect. Understand its role, but don’t necessarily excuse it. I’d love to just jump in that fountain though… Curator: (Laughing) I'm sure many felt the same, back then and now. This artwork's capacity to trigger so much dialogue across so many perspectives over centuries confirms just how deeply impactful visual culture can be in constructing narratives around identity and politics. Editor: Absolutely. Looking at art like this really makes you wonder what stories we are etching into our own world, today, too. Are we glorifying our leadership, perhaps, a bit too much still in today’s culture? Food for thought.