The Reception of Louis XIV at the Hôtel de Ville on the Occasion of his Recovery, January 30, 1687 1687

This print, made by Sébastien Leclerc I in 1687, commemorates Louis XIV’s recovery from illness. It's made using engraving, a printmaking technique that demands rigorous training. Engraving involves cutting lines into a metal plate, usually copper, with a tool called a burin. The incised lines are filled with ink, and then the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Look closely, and you can see the characteristic crisp, precise lines that define the image, which is well-suited to the depiction of Louis XIV’s royal iconography. The process is labor-intensive, requiring both technical skill and artistry, and can take a very long time. This speaks to the cultural significance attached to the image. Consider the immense work involved in producing multiple impressions of this image, each one contributing to the dissemination of royal propaganda. The very material and making of this artwork underscores the power and prestige associated with the French monarchy.