Louis Seize Roi des Francais 18th century

This print, titled "Louis Seize Roi des Francais", is an engraving of Louis XVI, made by an anonymous artist. The image captures a pivotal moment in French history, just before the Revolution, a time defined by immense social upheaval, class division, and the questioning of power. The softened depiction of Louis XVI is at odds with his role as an absolute monarch. Traditionally, royal portraits were symbols of power and divine right, but here, we see Louis in a somewhat softer, more vulnerable light. The Phrygian cap he is wearing was a symbol of freedom during the French Revolution. This is quite the departure from traditional royal regalia. The presence of revolutionary symbols in a portrait of the king highlights the complex, shifting politics of the era. The artist offers a glimpse into the changing tides of power, inviting us to reflect on the vulnerability of even the most entrenched authority. It causes us to consider how symbols can be appropriated and redefined during times of social change.