Louis XIV 1643

This silver medal portraying Louis XIV was crafted by Michel Molart. The inscription around the profile of the king, "LVDOVICVS. XIII. REX. CHRISTIANISSIMVS," proclaims Louis as the most Christian king. The profile, a potent symbol of leadership, finds echoes in ancient Roman coinage, where emperors similarly presented their likenesses to assert authority. Even in the Renaissance, this motif was revived, demonstrating a conscious link to the grandeur of antiquity. The armor worn by Louis evokes Mars, the god of war, and the flowing wig, reminiscent of classical depictions of deities, creates an aura of power and timelessness. This intertwining of religious and classical symbols creates a powerful image, designed to elicit awe and instill a sense of divine right. This medal isn't merely a portrait; it's a carefully constructed statement, meant to etch itself into the collective memory.