Lodewijk XV, koning van Frankrijk, rekenpenning geslagen op last van de Societe academique de Chirurgie te Parijs 1741

This is a silver coin depicting Louis XV, King of France, made by François Joseph Marteau. It was commissioned by the Société académique de Chirurgie in Paris. In the 18th century, the image of the king was more than just a portrait; it was a symbol of power, divine right, and national identity. This coin reflects the intertwined relationship between the monarchy, academic institutions, and the cultural production of the time. The Société académique de Chirurgie, by commissioning this coin, aligned itself with the monarchy, seeking to legitimize its importance through royal association. But how does this coin function in a society marked by vast inequality? It’s a reminder of the hierarchies that defined the era, where access to healthcare, like the commissioning of art, was often determined by social status. This coin asks us to consider the complex relationship between power, representation, and social responsibility. It invites us to reflect on who is included and who is excluded from the narratives we construct.