Portret van koning Karel X van Frankrijk c. 1829 - 1840

This is G. Metzeroth's portrait of King Charles X of France, made as an engraving. Looking at this image, it's easy to imagine how portraits of monarchs reinforced a sense of social hierarchy. The symbols of power and status, such as the military uniform and royal sash, would have been instantly recognizable visual cues to nineteenth-century viewers. France in this period was undergoing profound political changes, with the Bourbon Restoration attempting to reinstate traditional hierarchies after the revolution. Charles X, known for his conservative policies, became king in 1824, but his reign was soon overthrown in the July Revolution of 1830. Institutions such as the monarchy, the church, and the aristocracy were all being questioned and redefined. To understand this image better, one might consult historical archives, political pamphlets, and popular prints from the period to reconstruct the complex interplay of social forces that shaped the production and reception of this royal portrait.