Monument met portret van Lodewijk XIII te paard 1622

This print, *Monument met portret van Lodewijk XIII te paard*, was made by Claude Mellan in the 17th century. The engraving presents a complex visual architecture, dominated by the equestrian portrait of Louis XIII. Notice how the image is structured with two obelisks framing a central inscription, creating a symmetrical yet dynamic composition. Mellan plays with contrasts: the static, monumental forms of the obelisks versus the lively, rearing horse. These oppositions aren't merely decorative. Consider the semiotic weight of the image. The horse symbolizes power, a trope in royal portraiture. The surrounding ornaments and inscriptions create layers of meaning, inviting us to decode the symbolic language. It challenges fixed meanings by juxtaposing classical motifs with contemporary portraiture, reflecting a broader discourse about power, knowledge, and representation in early modern Europe. The graphic contrast serves as a reminder that art is not a static object but an active participant in shaping cultural values.