Portret van Lodewijk XIV 1642 - 1694

Nicolas de Larmessin's engraving portrays Louis XIV, amidst the resplendence of his reign. Note the fleur-de-lis, a stylized lily, prominently displayed, not merely as a decorative element but as an emblem of French royalty and divine right. The fleur-de-lis's story stretches back to antiquity, linked with the Virgin Mary and adopted by French monarchs in the Middle Ages to symbolize purity and their God-given authority. But symbols never remain static. Consider its echo in ancient Egyptian art, where similar floral motifs signified Upper Egypt. Over time, it was passed down through history and evolved, becoming a symbol of not only royalty but also national identity and pride. The weight of history and cultural memory intertwines within this emblem, engaging us on a subconscious level. The fleur-de-lis, a symbol of French royalty, undergoes a fascinating transformation throughout history, resurfacing in different cultural contexts and acquiring new layers of meaning.