Portret van Lodewijk X, koning van Frankrijk 1598

Jost Amman created this portrait of Louis X, King of France, using etching, sometime between 1539 and 1591. The print, now held in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between power, representation, and identity in 16th-century Europe. The portrait isn't just a depiction of a monarch, but a statement of power and lineage. Louis is framed by imagery that speaks to both his royal status and the historical narratives that legitimized his rule. Note the scenes from his life, underscoring key moments and decisions, crafting a carefully curated image of kingship. This piece reminds us that portraits of rulers are never neutral. They are carefully constructed narratives that reflect and reinforce the prevailing social and political order. This image speaks to a time when identity was inextricably linked to lineage and power.