Portret van Lodewijk X, koning van Frankrijk 1642 - 1678

Nicolas de Larmessin I created this engraving of Louis X, King of France. Larmessin worked during a time when representing power through portraiture was common, yet his engraving also negotiates questions of status and identity. The elaborate dress and crown immediately signal royalty, but it's the subtle choices Larmessin makes that offer a glimpse into the complexities of power. Note the delicate lines of Louis's face, a contrast to the heavy armor. Is Larmessin softening the image of the King, or is he suggesting a vulnerability beneath the surface? Consider, too, the symbolism embedded in the image – the fleur-de-lis, a recurring motif that ties Louis to a legacy of French rulers. Ultimately, this engraving invites us to consider the relationship between public image and private identity, and how artists like Larmessin navigate the expectations of their patrons while also offering their own interpretations.