Portret van Lodewijk XVI, koning van Frankrijk 1789

This engraving portrays Louis XVI, King of France, made by François Joseph Pfeiffer. Around the portrait, the fleur-de-lis symbolizes French royalty and divine right. This emblem, abstracted from the iris flower, has roots stretching back to the Merovingian dynasty, initially connected to Saint Mary, patron saint of France. Over centuries, it evolved into a symbol of royal power, adorning flags, coats of arms, and royal regalia across Europe. The fleur-de-lis, once representing purity and the Virgin Mary, became inextricably linked with the French monarchy. Yet, symbols are fluid. This emblem, once a sign of absolute power, was suppressed during the French Revolution. It resurfaced later, adopted by royalists, showing the cyclical nature of symbols and how their meanings can be reshaped by history and collective memory. The fleur-de-lis stands as a potent example of how symbols transcend time, embodying power, identity, and the ever-shifting narratives of history.