Louis XIV 

Carel Allard's portrait of Louis XIV captures the Sun King, a figure whose reign epitomized absolute monarchy and significantly shaped French identity and culture. The portrait reflects the political climate of the time, where images of the king were carefully crafted to project power and divine right. Note how Louis is framed within an oval, inscribed with his titles, emphasizing his authority. His youthful appearance, elaborate wig, and ornate attire reinforce an image of idealized kingship. The portrait exists at the intersection of power, identity, and representation. Louis XIV skillfully used visual media to construct a persona that equated his own image with the glory of France. Allard's work contributes to this carefully orchestrated self-fashioning, presenting a vision of a king who was both regal and intimately connected to the cultural and political life of his nation.