Portret van Lodewijk XIV, koning van Frankrijk en Navarra 1702

Bernard Picart made this print of Louis XIV, King of France and Navarre, in the late 17th or early 18th century. The image encapsulates the idea of royal power at the time. We see Louis in armour, holding a baton, with a battle raging in the background. The setting is a military camp, showing the king as a commander. The print also creates meaning through cultural references. Louis is portrayed as a powerful, almost god-like figure, which reinforced his absolute rule. The image also evokes historical associations with previous French monarchs who had led their armies into battle. To understand this print better, we could research the political and social conditions in France during Louis XIV's reign. We could also study the history of printmaking and its role in shaping public opinion. By combining formal analysis with socio-political context, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the public role of art.