Portret van Lodewijk XIII van Frankrijk 1626

This is Pierre Faber's portrait of Louis XIII of France. This print leverages the circular form to direct our focus to the king's face, framed by an oval border inscribed with Latin text. The overall effect is one of classical formality, typical of royal portraiture. The composition reveals a structured hierarchy: the king's image is centered and elevated, literally inscribed within a frame of text that lauds his virtues. This evokes the semiotic understanding that portraits are not merely representations but also symbolic constructs designed to convey power and legitimacy. The meticulous detail in Faber's rendering, from the lace collar to the textured hair, suggests an effort to capture not just likeness but also status. The lines and shapes create a visual language of power, carefully constructed to reinforce the king's image. Ultimately, this portrait should be seen as an exercise in controlled representation, where every element is carefully arranged to communicate the subject's authority.