Allegorisch portret van Lodewijk XII 1790 - 1816

This is Nicolas Ponce's Allegorical Portrait of Louis XII, made in the late 18th century. As a formal composition, the print presents a complex interplay of text and image. The dominant impression is one of layered framing. Note how the central portrait of Louis XII is staged within a proscenium-like archway complete with draped curtains and flanking columns adorned with allegorical figures. This elaborate setting emphasizes the performative aspect of power and representation, typical of the period. The detailed engraving technique, with its fine lines and shading, invites close inspection. The combination of portraiture, allegorical elements, and textual components creates a semiotic system. Each element functions as a sign contributing to the overall meaning of the work. Consider how this print uses visual rhetoric to construct an image of Louis XII. The way the portrait is staged and framed influences our understanding of his reign and legacy. The print is not just a historical record but an active participant in shaping cultural memory.