Geboorte van Lodewijk XIV 1699 - 1703

This bronze medal, created by Jean Mauger, commemorates the birth of Louis XIV. On one side, we see the profile of the king himself, while the reverse presents a scene rich with symbolism. An angel hovers above a kneeling figure, bestowing a blessing upon the newborn Louis. The angel, a motif spanning millennia, appears in early Christian art and continues through the Renaissance. Often, as here, it signifies divine favor and protection. This powerful symbolism—the angel, the blessing—evokes a sense of destiny and divine right. These images tap into our collective memory, echoing through history, changing in appearance, yet consistently triggering deep emotional responses. The imagery surrounding Louis' birth isn't merely decorative; it's a deliberate construction, reinforcing his status as divinely appointed. It echoes similar motifs of divine selection seen in different cultures throughout time. The cyclical progression of these symbols demonstrates how cultural memory, passed down through generations, shapes our perceptions and beliefs, reinforcing power structures.