Allegorie sur l'Erection de la Statue de Louis XV (Allegory on the Establishment of a c. 1763

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin created this etching, "Allegory on the Establishment of a Statue of Louis XV," during a time when the French monarchy sought to reinforce its power through grand public works and artistic endeavors. The print depicts the unveiling of a statue of Louis XV, surrounded by allegorical figures representing virtues and historical events. In the 18th century, art became a tool for the monarchy to shape public perception. The statue was more than a monument; it symbolized the king's authority, embodying the values and narratives the monarchy wished to promote. Saint-Aubin captures not just the event, but the aspirations and propaganda of the era. Through his art, we confront the complex interplay between power, representation, and public sentiment. He invites us to consider how monuments reflect and shape societal values, and who gets to control those narratives. It is a lens through which to examine the construction of identity and collective memory during the reign of Louis XV.