Haardplaat met een buste van koning Lodewijk XIV c. 1650 - 1675

This cast-iron fireback, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, presents a monochromatic study in relief, structured around the central figure of King Louis XIV. The composition is rigidly symmetrical, embedding the King within a complex framework of symbolic forms: heraldic emblems, mythical creatures, and baroque ornamentation. Note how the artist employs depth and texture to create visual interest. Each element is meticulously rendered, contributing to a dense tapestry of symbols that invite interpretation. The work functions as a carefully constructed piece of propaganda, where the King is not merely portrayed but encoded within a visual language of power and legitimacy. The interplay between these meticulously arranged forms and textures creates a fascinating visual dialogue. This object embodies not just artistic skill but also the intricate networks of meaning that circulated within courtly culture.