Lodewijk XIV, koning van Frankrijk 1695

This silver medal, commemorating Lodewijk XIV, King of France, was created around the turn of the 18th century by Jan Boskam. The medal, circular in form, displays finely detailed relief work, evoking a sense of classical grandeur. On one side, an angel stands prominently, holding a tablet aloft, while figures kneel in deference before a symbolic shield. The other side depicts similarly allegorical figures. The composition balances dynamism with a structured arrangement of elements, typical of Baroque aesthetics. Note how the figures are distributed evenly across the space, creating a sense of balance that reinforces the image of a stable, divinely sanctioned monarchy. The medal's creation coincides with debates about the relationship between art and power. The medal uses classical motifs and structured compositions to reinforce ideas of monarchical authority. However, this interpretation remains open; each viewer engages with the artwork’s formal qualities to derive meaning, reflecting our evolving understanding of art and history.