Young Louis XIV: Arras Liberated from Siege by the Spanish Army 1649 - 1707

Jean Mauger created this bronze medal titled, *Young Louis XIV: Arras Liberated from Siege by the Spanish Army*. Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, shaped an era in France with his absolutist reign. The medal casts him as both powerful and divinely appointed, with the inscription "Ludovicus XIII Rex Christianissimus"—Louis XIII, Most Christian King. This medal served as a propaganda tool, reinforcing his authority and presenting a carefully constructed image of his kingship. Note how his youthful face, framed by flowing locks, deviates from the more mature, stately portraits that would come to define his later image. There's a performative aspect to such works; they solidify identity through the visual tropes of power. How does this idealized portrayal intersect with the realities of the monarchy and the lives of ordinary citizens under his rule? The medal embodies the complex relationship between power, representation, and identity. It prompts us to think about how rulers fashion their images, and how such images impact the narratives of a nation.