Penning met het portret van koning Lodewijk XIV en de namen van Franse koningen 1712

This circular print depicts King Louis XIV, and the names of French Kings, but its strength lies in its construction. The anonymous artist, working at an unknown date, has structured the piece with incredible precision. The coin-like format is divided into concentric rings, each serving a distinct purpose. In the center, the King’s profile, executed with fine linework, is framed by his name and title. Radiating outwards, the subsequent rings list French monarchs and corresponding dates. The rigid, almost mathematical arrangement of text and image creates a sense of order and hierarchy. Each element is meticulously placed, suggesting the importance of lineage and the structured nature of royal power. The circular format echoes the cyclical nature of time and history, reinforcing a sense of continuity. The artwork destabilizes the typical portrait format by integrating it into a broader, encyclopedic structure. The piece serves not just as a historical record but also as a potent symbol of authority. It is a complex interplay of image, text, and form to reinforce and legitimize royal authority.