Queen of Coins 1751

Claude Burdel created this small, hand-colored engraving of the "Queen of Coins" in the 18th century. Immediately, the figure strikes us with its peculiar flatness and the bold, linear quality defining each element. The color palette, dominated by reds, blues and yellows, enhances this two-dimensional effect, creating an almost playful visual field. But let's consider what this flatness might signify. Burdel presents us not with a realistic portrayal, but rather a symbolic representation. The Queen's regalia, the coin, and even her stance are reduced to essential forms, acting as signs within a semiotic system. The lack of depth destabilizes the traditional hierarchy of representation. The Queen is not presented as a unique individual, but as an archetype. Ultimately, the artwork pushes the boundaries of representation through its formal choices. It invites us to reconsider the relationship between image and meaning, prompting us to recognize that art can function as a language, using symbolic forms to communicate complex ideas.