Louis XV: Progress of the King 1718

Joseph-Charles Roettiers created this bronze and gold medal, "Louis XV: Progress of the King." Consider the world that produced this small object. Louis the XV reigned over France during a period of immense social stratification, economic inequality, and rising discontent. It was a world on the cusp of revolution, where symbols of power and authority were both revered and resented. The medal presents a carefully constructed image of the King, his profile framed by a laurel wreath, a symbol of victory and honor. Note how Roettiers highlights the King's youth and supposed vitality, strategically crafting an image of a strong and capable ruler. Yet, to what extent did this image reflect reality? Did it serve to mask the deeper social and political tensions simmering beneath the surface? This medal reflects the complex interplay between power, representation, and perception in 18th-century France, a world where the image of the King was carefully cultivated to maintain the monarchy's grip on power.