Portret van Chlotharius II 1647 - 1678

Nicolas de Larmessin the First created this print of Chlotharius II in France in the late 17th century. It gives us a glimpse into how royal power was visually constructed and communicated at the time. Notice how Chlotharius is framed within an oval border, adorned with ribbons and heraldic symbols. These aren’t just decorative elements. They’re visual cues that immediately signal authority, lineage, and historical significance. The elaborate costume, the regal bearing, the carefully inscribed text below—all contribute to an image of a powerful and legitimate ruler. But who was the intended audience? Prints like these were often commissioned by the court and disseminated among the elite. They served to reinforce the monarchy's image and to assert its historical claims. To fully understand this print, we need to examine the history of the French monarchy, the role of portraiture in shaping political identities, and the institutions that supported artistic production. By doing so, we can begin to unravel the complex interplay between art, power, and social order in early modern France.