Faam met het Franse wapenschild 1671 - 1772

Editor: Here we have an engraving called "Faam met het Franse wapenschild," or "Fame with the French coat of arms," made sometime between 1671 and 1772. It features two cherubic figures supporting a sphere emblazoned with the fleur-de-lis beneath a crown. It’s…quite a confident statement of power, wouldn’t you say? What do you see in this piece, in terms of its historical context? Curator: Indeed. Beyond the obvious celebration of French power through symbolism like the fleur-de-lis, I see a visual articulation of divine right – the belief that a monarch’s authority comes directly from God. Consider the Baroque period's emphasis on spectacle and the use of allegory here. The cherubs aren’t merely decorative; they are actively proclaiming and upholding the French monarchy. The 'Fame' figure blowing the trumpet acts as a disseminator of power's aura, which tells us a lot about the construction of identity during this era. Who benefits from this kind of image? Editor: That’s fascinating. It highlights the performance of power, almost like propaganda through art. So it’s not just about displaying strength, but also about convincing others of it? Curator: Precisely. And notice how this image is circulated through printmaking. How does the reproduction and dissemination of imagery impact understandings of power and national identity? Consider how accessible this print may have been, and how it shaped perceptions of French authority beyond the immediate court circle. Editor: So it’s not just a representation of power, but an active tool in maintaining it. The Baroque style reinforces that message. It's more than just aesthetics; it’s ideology made visual. Curator: Exactly. And reflecting on the period, who do you think had access to this image? How do we analyse its production, circulation, and consumption to tell stories about power dynamics and the era? Editor: This makes me rethink my initial reaction. I see how this image can tell so much more about the social and political landscape of the time. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. I'm so glad we explored its meanings together!