Portret van Lodewijk VIII 1755 - 1765

This portrait of Lodewijk VIII, made by Sébastien Pinssio, presents us with a fascinating set of symbols. The most striking is the ornate frame, adorned with floral motifs and masks, enclosing the sober, oval portrait of the sitter. The frame suggests an almost theatrical presentation of the man, elevating him. We see echoes of such framing devices in ancient Roman portrait busts. The Romans used similar compositional techniques to associate their leaders with ideals of beauty, strength, and authority. Over time, this mode of presentation evolves. The symbolic weight shifts from an expression of absolute authority to a display of status and cultural sophistication. Consider the masks at the base of the frame. These grimacing faces have ancient roots in theatrical traditions and apotropaic rituals, warding off evil. Their presence here adds a layer of psychological complexity, hinting at a subconscious desire to protect the sitter from unseen forces, a powerful undercurrent of anxiety and protection. It's a potent blend of artifice and deeply felt emotion. In this way, symbols are carried through time, shifting and evolving.