Portret van Lodewijk de Heilige, koning van Frankrijk 1776 - 1824

This is Johann Christian Ernst Müller's engraving of Louis IX, King of France. Note the fleur-de-lis adorning his crown, a symbol deeply entwined with French royalty. Originally a representation of the white lily, it was associated with purity, light, and the Virgin Mary. The fleur-de-lis is reminiscent of ancient Egyptian lotus motifs, symbols of rebirth and divine power. Throughout history, we see this floral emblem reappear. For example, in medieval heraldry it represented chivalry and divine right to rule, a concept that echoes through centuries. The adoption of such symbols speaks to a collective yearning for stability and order. The power of such imagery lies in their ability to invoke a sense of authority and tradition, engaging us on a subconscious level. The cyclical progression of this symbol, continually resurfacing and evolving, highlights our enduring need to connect with the past.