Portret van Lodewijk XVIII, gezeten op zijn troon 1825

This portrait of Louis XVIII, King of France and Navarre, is an engraving by A. Bosselman. Seated regally, Louis dominates the composition with his ornate attire and symbolic objects of power. The monochrome palette emphasizes contrasts in texture, from the plush fabrics of his robe to the smooth surfaces of the throne and crown. Consider how Bosselman uses the visual language of power. The king’s placement above the viewer on a pedestal creates distance, while the angel bestowing gifts from above reinforces a sense of divine right. The composition directs our gaze to the king’s face, framed by a lavish ermine collar and a backdrop of swirling clouds. The engraving’s success lies in its ability to navigate complex social and political currents through symbolism. The image presents a meticulously constructed fiction that attempts to solidify the Bourbon monarchy’s legitimacy after the tumultuous years of revolution and empire. Though the image may have been a site of intended meaning, as viewers, we bring our own interpretations to it, questioning its claims and engaging in an ongoing dialogue about power, representation, and the shifting sands of history.