Gezicht op de decoratie van de Rue de la Feronnerie te Parijs ter gelegenheid van het herstel van Lodewijk XV, koning van Frankrijk, in 1745 1745 - 1775

Jean-François Daumont created this print to commemorate Louis XV's recovery in 1745, depicting the lavish decorations along Rue de la Feronnerie in Paris. This image offers a window into the spectacle of royal power in 18th-century France. The grand, temporary structures erected for the occasion speak volumes about the cultural significance of the monarchy. Note the golden arches and illuminations, carefully arranged to create a sense of awe and celebration among the assembled crowds. The event itself, and its artistic representation, served to reinforce the social hierarchy. It visually communicated the idea of a divinely ordained king whose health was intrinsically linked to the well-being of the nation. To fully understand this print, we need to consider the political climate of the time. Researching primary sources from the period, such as royal decrees, newspaper accounts, and personal diaries, helps to reveal the complex relationship between the monarchy and the people. The image reminds us that art is always embedded in a specific social and institutional context.