Portret van Hugo Capet, koning van Frankrijk 1825 - 1842

Nicolas Maurin created this portrait of Hugo Capet, King of France using engraving. The image is a study in contrasts, a play between light and shadow that gives depth to the figure. Observe how Maurin uses delicate lines to define the king’s features, from the contours of his face to the intricate details of his crown. The composition centers on Hugo Capet, adorned with symbols of royalty—the crown and a robe decorated with fleur-de-lis. These elements are more than mere decoration; they are signs, loaded with historical and cultural significance. The artist’s choice to present Capet in this manner speaks to the 19th-century fascination with historical figures and the romanticization of royal power. Consider the way Maurin’s engraving technique captures not just likeness but also an idea of kingship. This artwork does not offer a straightforward depiction, but is an invitation to decode the visual and historical signs embedded within it.