Portret van Karel de Kale 1642 - 1678

Nicolas de Larmessin I created this engraving, "Portret van Karel de Kale," at an unknown date. It's a portrait of Charles the Bald, framed by an oval wreath and ribbon. The inscription below the image hails Charles as King of France and Holy Roman Emperor. But what does it mean to represent power? Larmessin was working during a time when France was consolidating its authority under Louis XIV, a period marked by grand displays of royal power. Engravings like these were not just neutral likenesses, they were tools for constructing an image, a brand. Note how Charles is depicted with symbols of power, a crown, and ornate robes. The engraving acts as a form of cultural storytelling, reinforcing a specific narrative about leadership and legitimacy. Consider the emotional impact of such images on the populace, the sense of awe or perhaps even alienation. Larmessin's engraving invites us to reflect on the ways in which power is visualized, disseminated, and internalized within society.