Heilige Lodewijk IX door twee engelen ten hemel gedragen 1664

Editor: So, this engraving, "Heilige Lodewijk IX door twee engelen ten hemel gedragen," created in 1664 by François Tortebat, depicts Louis IX being carried to heaven by angels. The use of line is quite striking and lends a very ethereal quality. What do you see in this piece beyond its immediate religious narrative? Curator: I see an articulation of power, visually translated into a narrative of divine justification. Consider Louis IX, a monarch, being lifted up—literally elevated—by angelic figures. This isn’t just a depiction of religious piety; it’s a statement about the divine right of kings. How might we read this image in relation to the political climate of 17th-century France? Editor: Well, it was a period of strong centralized monarchy. So, the image reinforces the idea of the king's authority as divinely ordained. The fleur-de-lis are prominent too, symbolizing the French monarchy and lending a visual reminder of royal power. Curator: Precisely. And think about who this image would have served. Likely the elite, those already invested in the established power structure. It’s a piece of propaganda, subtly reinforcing existing hierarchies through a seemingly innocuous religious scene. But what about those excluded from this heavenly vision? Where are their stories in this narrative of sanctified power? Editor: That’s a sobering thought. It seems to exclude any questioning or resistance to the monarchy. Curator: Exactly. It’s crucial to look beyond the surface-level beauty and consider the socio-political implications embedded within. Images like these are never neutral; they actively participate in shaping and maintaining power dynamics. Considering art's complicity throughout history, this artwork prompts important questions about agency, access, and historical representation. Editor: This really makes you think about how art can be used to solidify authority, even through religious symbolism. I'll definitely look at art from this perspective going forward. Curator: And that's precisely the point. It's not about dismissing the artwork, but rather understanding its role in a complex historical tapestry.