Portret van Lodewijk XV 1765

Benoit Louis Prevost created this print of Louis XV sometime between 1747 and 1804. It’s an intriguing image, enmeshed in the politics of identity and representation. Prevost's depiction of Louis XV, framed within an oval and adorned with laurel and floral ornamentation, presents a carefully constructed image of power and authority. Yet, this portrait emerges during a period of growing social and political unrest in France, a time when the traditional symbols of monarchy were being questioned. How does the artist's work engage with, or perhaps attempt to counter, the shifting sentiments of the era? The artistic choices made by Prevost – the formal pose, the classical motifs – reflect an effort to reinforce Louis XV’s legitimacy. This piece invites us to reflect on the relationship between power, representation, and the public's perception of its leaders. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between crafting an image and confronting the complex realities of a changing society.