Koninklijke Almanak van Lodewijk XIV, 1705 1705 - 1706

This is an anonymous print from 1705, titled "Koninklijke Almanak van Lodewijk XIV." The print is dominated by a circular composition, echoing the cyclical nature of time itself. Emanating from the figure of Louis XIV, rays project outwards, each inscribed with text forming the shape of a sun. The visual organization reflects a structured and hierarchical view of the world, typical of the era. The central placement of Louis XIV suggests not only his political power but also a symbolic alignment with the sun, a classical metaphor for kingship and divine authority. The almanac functions as a semiotic system, using the sun's path to frame political messaging and to reinforce the king's central role in the cosmic and social order. Consider how the formal structure of the print, with its ordered arrangement and symbolic imagery, communicates a vision of power and knowledge intertwined. The artwork invites us to decode the cultural codes embedded within its design, revealing the complex interplay between art, power, and representation.