Portret van Lodewijk VI, koning van Frankrijk 1738

This is Johann Georg Wille’s engraving of Louis VI, King of France, created at an unknown date. The portrait, rendered in delicate lines, captures Louis in profile, framed by an oval border atop a small pedestal bearing an inscription. The dominant impression is one of formality and controlled detail, characteristic of the period's approach to portraiture. The engraving's structure invites us to consider how power is represented through form. The sharp lines and precise details don't just depict Louis, they construct an image of royalty, emphasizing his status. The oval frame and the pedestal serve to elevate the subject, placing him within a tradition of honor and historical importance. The semiotic elements here, such as the fleur-de-lis on his robe and crown, function as signs of royal authority, reinforcing the notion of divine right. Consider how the materiality of the engraving, with its fine lines and careful shading, contributes to this sense of controlled power. This is not just an image of a man; it is a carefully constructed representation of kingship, designed to project authority and grandeur.