Portret van Anne Marie Louise d'Orléans 1675 - 1680

Pierre Simon created this engraving of Anne Marie Louise d'Orléans. Here, we see the fleur-de-lis appearing in each corner of the print, a symbol synonymous with French royalty. This emblem, representing a stylized lily, has roots stretching back to the Merovingian dynasty and became powerfully associated with divine right and the French monarchy. The fleur-de-lis is not unique to France, however. It appears in various forms across different cultures, often linked to concepts of purity, light, and sovereignty. Think of ancient Egyptian art where similar floral motifs symbolized Upper Egypt. This recurring motif reveals a deeper, collective yearning for legitimacy and divine favor. This visual language speaks to us across centuries, tapping into deeply ingrained cultural memories and shaping our understanding of power. It evolves, adapts, but always carries echoes of its past.