Penning met buste van Lodewijk XIV 1702

Gérard Edelinck created this engraving of Louis XIV, a commemorative coin, immortalizing the king in profile. The circular format itself is a powerful symbol, evoking the ancient Roman tradition of coins as propaganda, tools to disseminate power and project an image. The inscription around the portrait, "Ludovicus XIII Rex Christianissimus," declares Louis as the "Most Christian King," linking his reign to divine authority. This echoes through centuries, reappearing in countless portraits of rulers, each subtly adapting the visual language of power. Think of Roman emperors, medieval monarchs, and even modern-day leaders; all are using similar symbolic strategies to convey authority. Consider, too, the psychological impact of such imagery. The act of memorializing a leader on currency taps into our collective memory. It reinforces a sense of continuity and stability. This need for enduring leadership speaks to a deep, almost primal, desire for order and security. The image of the "Most Christian King" resurfaces through time. It evolves and adapts, carrying echoes of past hopes and anxieties into the present.