Ruiterstandbeeld van Lodewijk de XIV 1666 - 1707

Gérard Edelinck created this print of the equestrian statue of Louis XIV, though we don’t have an exact date for it. What we see is not just a portrait of the king but a statement about power, specifically royal power in 17th-century France. The statue dominates the scene, a clear symbol of Louis XIV's authority. Surrounding the statue, Edelinck populates the scene with allegorical figures who pay homage to the king. By using classical imagery - figures in classical dress, and classical architecture - Edelinck elevates Louis XIV and creates a direct line between his reign and that of the Roman emperors of antiquity. It’s a piece of propaganda, meant to reinforce the idea of Louis XIV as a divinely appointed, all-powerful ruler. To understand this image fully, we need to delve into the history of the French monarchy, the politics of the court, and the artistic conventions of the time. We can use archival documents to explore how images like these were used to shape public opinion and legitimize the king's rule.