Fotoreproductie van een prent naar een schilderij, voorstellende de binnenkomst van Lodewijk XIII te La Rochelle op 1 November 1628 before 1881

This is an anonymous photo reproduction of a print after a painting, depicting the Entry of Louis XIII into La Rochelle on November 1, 1628. Consider the cultural and political backdrop: this image immortalizes a triumphant moment for the French monarchy, set against the backdrop of religious conflict, and the siege of La Rochelle, a Huguenot stronghold. The original painting, by an unknown artist, was certainly commissioned to solidify the King's image as a restorer of Catholic power. In the scene, Louis XIII is greeted by religious figures beneath an allegorical figure in the sky. The King's power over his subjects is meant to be clear. This representation served to reinforce a traditional narrative of monarchical authority, but what of the narratives it obscures? What does this moment mean for the Protestants of La Rochelle? This artwork is less about historical accuracy and more about constructing a specific story—a story of power, religion, and identity. The personal cost, the loss, and the lives upended are absent from this celebratory depiction. The image thus serves as a reminder of how art can be wielded to shape collective memory.