Monument voor Lodewijk XV, koning van Frankrijk, in Rennes 1754 - 1771

This print by Nicolas Gabriel Dupuis depicts a monument to Louis XV in Rennes. Notice how the composition is structured around a central archway framing the king's statue, immediately drawing the eye. The use of light and shadow creates depth, accentuating the monument's grandeur. Dupuis uses precise lines to define the architectural elements, imbuing the scene with a sense of classical order. The figures flanking the statue add a human element but also serve to emphasize the king's elevated status. Consider the semiotic implications: the archway can be seen as a symbol of triumph, while the statue itself embodies power and authority. The print thus functions as a carefully constructed representation of royal prestige. It invites us to contemplate the relationship between art, power, and representation in the 18th century.