Penning met afbeelding van Lodewijk XII van Frankrijk op recto en een egel op verso 1807 - 1870

Editor: So, here we have "Penning met afbeelding van Lodewijk XII van Frankrijk op recto en een egel op verso," which roughly translates to "Medal with image of Louis XII of France on the front and a hedgehog on the back". It’s a drawing, or perhaps an engraving, by Augustin François Lemaître, created sometime between 1807 and 1870. The mood is surprisingly whimsical. I'm really curious about the symbolism here. What's your take on this work? Curator: Whimsical is a fantastic word for it! It’s like a serious portrait met a children’s book illustration and decided to have tea. Lemaître, working in that Neoclassical/Academic style, does this remarkable job of straddling worlds, doesn't he? You've got Louis XII looking all dignified, surrounded by fleur-de-lis and Latin inscriptions on one side, then BAM, a chubby little hedgehog wearing a crown! That juxtaposition is precisely the entry point to unlock what intrigues me most about this piece: power juxtaposed to humility, might to... cuteness? Do you agree? Editor: Absolutely, the hedgehog really throws me off. I mean, why a hedgehog? It's charming but feels like it clashes with the royal portrait above. Curator: I read the hedgehog symbolizes Louis's policy of fiscal responsibility and being conservative with finances; however, I'd much prefer thinking that Louis just loved hedgehogs! Art needs interpretation to open a dialogue, isn't it? Jokes aside, sometimes official narratives mask a much simpler human element. It is this interplay of narratives, however contradictory, that fuels creativity, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Yes, definitely! I initially thought of this as just a historical record, but thinking about the multiple layers makes it way more engaging. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! Always a thrill when something seemingly formal reveals its quirky side. Keeps us on our toes!