Louis XIV, 1638-1715, King of France 1643 [obverse] c. 1713

This is a bronze medal of Louis XIV, King of France, made by Jean Mauger in the late 17th or early 18th century. It presents the king in profile, surrounded by the inscription "Ludovicus Magnus Rex Christianissimus" – Louis the Great, Most Christian King. The medal speaks to the visual culture of the French court under Louis XIV, often understood as the epitome of royal absolutism. Note the way the image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. This medal isn’t just a portrait; it's a carefully constructed piece of propaganda. It presents Louis as a powerful, almost god-like figure, chosen by God to rule France, whose image was carefully curated and widely disseminated through various media, including medals like this one. Understanding the medal requires us to consider the social conditions of its time. France was a hierarchical society, where the King was at the top, and art was used to reinforce this social order. To fully appreciate this object, historians consult court records, personal letters, and other documents to reconstruct the complex social and political context in which it was created.