Portret van Lodewijk XV, koning van Frankrijk 1825 - 1842

Nicolas Maurin captured Louis XV, King of France, in this print. The cross on his chest, a potent symbol of the French monarchy’s divine right, echoes motifs found throughout history. Consider the ‘fleur-de-lis,’ a stylized lily, emblazoned on his robes. Once a religious symbol of purity, it was adopted by French royalty, becoming a visual shorthand for power and legitimacy. Think back to ancient Egypt and the Pharaoh's scepters, or the Roman emperors' eagles - all symbols intended to evoke authority. These symbols resurface across time, shifting in meaning but retaining their psychological impact. It's fascinating how these visual cues trigger deep-seated emotions, shaping our perceptions of power and leadership. They serve as an enduring reminder of how collective memory and subconscious processes influence artistic creation and interpretation.