Portret van Lodewijk XVI 1840s - 1850s

This is Pierre Pelée's portrait of Louis XVI, a lithograph. Louis is adorned with symbols of power: the elaborate wig, not merely fashion but a statement of status, and the star-shaped emblems on his chest, representative of royal orders and thus, authority. Consider the star, a motif found in ancient Mesopotamian art, representing divinity and guidance. Here, it signifies the divine right of kings. Yet, the star's meaning shifts. In other contexts, it becomes a symbol of navigation, of destiny, or even of revolution. It echoes through time, reappearing in various forms, each reflecting the cultural anxieties and aspirations of its age. The portrait, through its careful symbolism, engages us on a deeply rooted, almost subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of power and its representation throughout history.