Reproductie van een tekening van een koning in gesprek met een filosoof before 1900

P. Marinho made this reproduction of a drawing depicting a king in conversation with a philosopher, though the exact date and location are unknown. This image prompts us to reflect on the historical relationship between power and wisdom. Consider how the king, a figure of authority and statecraft, seeks counsel from the philosopher, an individual dedicated to reason and truth. Perhaps this is a commentary on the ideal of enlightened rule, where the monarch is guided by philosophical principles. It also raises questions about the role of intellectuals in shaping political discourse. Is the philosopher a critic, an advisor, or perhaps even a legitimator of royal power? As historians, we can delve into the intellectual and political history of the period in which this image was created to understand its full implications, consulting archival documents and philosophical texts. Art serves as a cultural artifact that reflects and shapes social values.