Portret van Lodewijk XIII, koning van Frankrijk in ovaal 1613 - 1656

Cornelis Danckerts I created this oval portrait of Louis XIII, King of France, in the 17th century using engraving. Louis XIII's reign was marked by religious and political tensions. As King, he navigated the complexities of court intrigue, religious conflict, and international relations while relying heavily on advisors like Cardinal Richelieu. Louis's identity as a divinely appointed monarch was reinforced through portraiture, which was often used as a tool to solidify power and project an image of authority. Here, Louis is adorned with the symbols of monarchy such as a jeweled scepter and the Maltese cross. The ermine trim evokes wealth, nobility, and status in the French court. How might the symbolism in this portrait, created during a time of upheaval, reinforce or challenge notions of masculinity and power?