Clotaire 2.-e / Juste, moderé..., from 'Game of the Kings of France' (Jeu des Rois de France) 1644

Editor: This is Stefano della Bella's engraving of 'Clotaire 2.-e / Juste, moderé...,' from 1644, part of the 'Game of the Kings of France'. It's delicate and the figure looks like it's trying to communicate authority, although it seems like something is missing. How do you interpret this work, considering the visual language used? Curator: Well, immediately I see the symbolic weight carried by Clotaire's pose and accoutrements. He stands in the formal style of a royal portrait but observe the relaxed grip on the sword. It speaks volumes about the artist’s, and perhaps the patron's, intentions in conveying power, suggesting a contrast to conventional martial strength. How does that tension affect the symbolism for you? Editor: I hadn't considered that contrast! I was too focused on just the direct presentation of royalty. The relaxed grip gives a human dimension to the figure. Curator: Precisely! The 'Game of Kings' suggests that even monarchs were game pieces in the political arena, with their legacies defined by far more than their coronations. The imagery used evokes continuity with historical rulers and suggests what cultural values are being upheld and why. Can you read any others? Editor: I guess that the contrast suggests a shift, maybe towards diplomacy over warfare? So, 'just, moderate, and valiant' as they wrote in the artwork suggests an ideology or a standard. Curator: Exactly. This work presents us with not only a portrait, but a system of values through carefully selected visual cues that resonate even now. And look there is number 10 and 44 in the top corners. How might these impact the reading of the overall image? Editor: Good point! This definitely gives me a different perspective on how symbolic portraits like these were intended to function. Thanks.