Henri-Jules de Bourbon te paard in fantasiekostuum, aangeduid als 'Roy des Indes' 1670

François Chauveau created this print of Henri-Jules de Bourbon in costume, using etching in the 17th century. The image presents the Duke as the ‘Roy des Indes,’ or King of the Indies, on horseback. It offers insight into the social and cultural landscape of the French court during the Baroque era. Here, the Duke’s elaborate costume and the horse’s ornate trappings signify wealth, power, and a fascination with the exotic ‘Indies,’ reflecting France’s colonial ambitions and its appropriation of foreign cultures. The print underscores the role of imagery in constructing and reinforcing social hierarchies. The title of ‘Roy des Indes’ alludes to the operatic spectacle ‘Le Triomphe de l’amour,’ staged at the French court in 1681, revealing a nexus between aristocratic display and theatrical representation. To understand this image, we can consult primary sources such as court records, costume designs, and performance reviews. These shed light on the political and cultural contexts that shaped its production and reception. Analyzing such artworks in their social context allows us to consider art as a reflection of societal values and power structures.