Penning met Karel de Grote 1683 - 1733

Bernard Picart created this print of a medal of Charlemagne in the late 17th or early 18th century. It was a time when Europe's dynastic rulers sought to legitimize their power through connections to the past. The print shows two sides of a medal of Charlemagne. On the left, we see Charlemagne seated, holding a scepter, evoking authority. On the right, Charlemagne rides into battle, wielding a sword. The fleur-de-lis patterns connect him to the French monarchy, reinforcing his legacy of power and dominion. What I find fascinating is how Picart, working in a time of immense social hierarchy, reproduced symbols of power. In the same way that historical narratives shape our understanding of national identity, this work reveals the ways in which power is constructed and conveyed through visual imagery. This print serves as a reminder of how historical figures continue to influence present-day politics, identity, and power dynamics.