Louis le Grand Roy de France Possibly 1715

Editor: Here we have "Louis le Grand Roy de France," a print by Antoine Trouvain, likely from 1715. I'm immediately struck by the artificiality of it all – the towering wig, the elaborate gardens, and the rigid pose. What do you see in this piece, considering its historical context? Curator: It's interesting you use the word "artificiality." It’s precisely that constructed image that speaks volumes about Louis XIV's reign. Consider the print as a form of propaganda. How does it contribute to the construction of the Sun King's persona? The gardens, meticulously manicured, reflect his control over nature, mirroring his ambition to control his kingdom. Editor: So, it’s less about capturing an honest likeness and more about projecting a specific image? I suppose the artist isn't necessarily after realism... Curator: Exactly! Realism, as we understand it today, wasn't the primary concern. This print served a vital function: disseminating an image of power, wealth, and absolute authority. Think about how widely these images were circulated. What impact would they have on different social classes? Editor: It probably intimidated and impressed those who couldn’t even imagine this lifestyle. And, I guess it also reinforced the existing power structures? Curator: Precisely. Now, think about where this print might have been displayed. Not just in palaces, but perhaps in public spaces, further embedding this vision of royal grandeur into the public consciousness. These prints helped manufacture the consent of the governed. What's also key here is the shift of power from noblemen to the centralized control under King Louis. How are we to think about portraiture in service of these new forms of governance? Editor: This really makes me rethink how to look at these portraits. Thank you! Curator: Likewise. Thinking about art's role in shaping social perceptions offers a valuable new angle, doesn’t it?