Clovis le grand / Vaillant, sage..., from 'Game of the Kings of France' (Jeu des Rois de France) 1644

This print, made by Stefano della Bella, depicts Clovis the Great in a chariot, around the 17th century. Notice the Roman attire and the laurel wreath, symbols evoking imperial triumph and authority. This imagery isn’t new; it is a deliberate echo of classical antiquity, a method used to legitimize power by associating it with the glory of the Roman Empire. Yet, the meaning shifts here. Consider, for example, how Roman emperors were often depicted riding chariots in triumphal processions, celebrated as divine rulers. Yet, by associating Clovis with similar iconography, the print suggests he is more than just a king; he is a divinely ordained leader. This evokes a psychological connection to past authority, imbuing Clovis with a sense of timeless power, and reminding us how symbols resurface, evolving to serve new ambitions.