Portret van Lodewijk V 1741 - 1755

Etienne Ficquet created this print of Louis V, King of France. It's more than just a portrait; it reflects the complex power dynamics and cultural values of the time. Louis V, known as "the Do-Nothing King," inherited a kingdom rife with internal conflict and external threats. Ficquet's depiction captures Louis in profile, his gaze averted, perhaps hinting at his reputation for ineffectiveness. Yet, he is adorned with the regalia of kingship – crown and armor – symbols of a power he struggled to wield. This image raises questions about how power is represented and perceived. Does the portrait reflect the lived reality of Louis V's reign, or does it perpetuate a romanticized ideal of monarchy? It invites us to consider the tension between the image and the reality.