Portret van Lodewijk XI, koning van Frankrijk 1642 - 1678

This is Nicolas de Larmessin's portrait of Lodewijk XI, King of France, made as an engraving. The composition is dominated by an oval frame, within which the King’s profile is meticulously detailed, contrasting sharply with the densely inscribed text below. Larmessin employs line and texture to define the King’s features, emphasizing his regal attire and severe expression. The crown and fur collar suggest power, while the detailed lines of the face convey character, and perhaps the weight of rule. The oval frame, adorned with ribbons, serves to isolate and elevate the King, turning him into a spectacle. Consider how Larmessin uses semiotic codes to reinforce Lodewijk XI’s authority. The detailed rendering of royal symbols, and the deliberate arrangement of text to legitimize his reign, function as signs within a complex cultural discourse. The formal elements of portraiture, combined with text as both descriptive and symbolic, invites us to deconstruct the layers of meaning embedded within. As a print, it is designed for dissemination, inviting scrutiny and engaging viewers in its ongoing interpretation of power.