Beleg van Saint Martin op het Île de Ré, juli-november 1627 (randwerk, deel middenboven) 1629 - 1631

Michel Lasne created this print, Beleg van Saint Martin op het Île de Ré, in the 17th century. It depicts King Louis XIII amidst the siege of Saint Martin, a conflict emblematic of the religious and political tensions of the era. The image shows the King framed by symbols of power, military might, and French identity. Flags, weaponry, and regal ornamentation all serve to reinforce the King's authority. But let’s consider the cultural context: Louis XIII's reign was marked by intense religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants, a struggle deeply entwined with social and political power. The siege itself was part of a larger effort to suppress Protestant strongholds. Lasne’s print is a work of propaganda, designed to solidify the King's image and legitimize his actions. But, it also presents an opportunity to reflect on the complexities of identity, power, and representation during a time of upheaval. How might those on the margins of the conflict—the Protestant rebels, the ordinary soldiers, or the women left behind—have viewed this image of royal authority? It’s a powerful reminder of how art shapes our understanding of history.