Portret van Lodewijk XIV, koning van Frankrijk 1670 - 1724

Editor: This is a portrait of Louis XIV, King of France, a print made between 1670 and 1724 by Jacob Gole. He looks powerful, but the softness of the engraving style and oval framing makes me feel like I’m looking through a time-softened lens. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: What I see is carefully constructed grandeur. The king’s hair—almost a character in itself—cascades, opulent and frankly, rather ridiculous. Then, this descends onto meticulously detailed armor! It’s a dance between naturalistic portrayal and staged majesty. Tell me, does this pose strike you as vulnerable, even for a portrait? Editor: Vulnerable? Maybe a little in the face, which does seem softer than you’d expect from royal portraits. But all that armour feels so…imposing. Curator: Imposing yes, but an engraving is fundamentally reproducible, public. Louis is distributing this idealized version of himself. Now look closely at the armor. How much do you think Louis actually wore that in battle? Is it perhaps symbolic, representing authority, more than physical protection? Also notice how the oval framing flattens everything, emphasizing the almost performative nature of royalty. Does knowing this change the feeling for you? Editor: Definitely! Knowing it's a carefully crafted image for distribution shifts my perspective. The detail in the armour, the hair – it's all part of crafting a specific image, a brand even. Curator: Exactly. Each of those carefully etched lines serves a purpose, selling an idea, more so than just representing reality. Perhaps that’s the most enduring power of the baroque, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: I see what you mean. I’ll definitely look at baroque portraits with fresh eyes now! Thanks!