Louis XV 1715

Editor: We're looking at a medal, “Louis XV,” crafted around 1715. It's attributed to Jean Le Blanc. The relief is small, made of metal, but there’s something striking about its clean lines and classical presentation, even though the subject exudes such baroque drama. How do you interpret this particular depiction of royalty? Curator: This piece is a powerful demonstration of how carefully curated images construct lasting impressions. The profile portrait, immediately reminiscent of ancient Roman coinage, links Louis XV to the enduring legacy of empire and authority. What symbols do you recognize and what feelings do they invoke? Editor: I see his ornate wig, of course, and what looks like armor, a very traditional presentation of power, yet almost theatrical. I suppose the intent is to inspire awe? Curator: Indeed, it's about constructing a very specific cultural memory. Note the inscription circling the profile, a kind of pronouncement, like a spell. This isn't merely a portrait; it's an encapsulation of royal identity and power, meant to be disseminated and worn close to the body. How does knowing this might have been worn impact your understanding? Editor: That brings it to life, somehow. It's not just an image; it's a statement carried around. A little piece of propaganda, almost. Curator: Precisely! It shows us how deeply symbols permeate even the smallest aspects of life, shaping our understanding of power and status across generations. It allows the King to exist physically in places he could not. Editor: So it's about image-making and control through symbolic association. I see how much information a single object can hold. Curator: Exactly. It's about seeing beyond the surface to understand the complex cultural web spun by imagery.