Overlijden van Lodewijk XIV, koning van Frankrijk 1715

This is a bronze medal by Jean Dassier, commemorating the death of Louis XIV, King of France. The medal provides insight into the cultural and political climate of the early 18th century, a period marked by absolute monarchies. Louis XIV, often called the "Sun King," ruled France for 72 years, and his death in 1715 marked the end of an era. Dassier's medal captures the intersection of power, representation, and memory. The front profile of Louis XIV is marked "Louis Le Grand," emphasizing his elevated status. On the other side, allegorical figures surround a stone slab inscribed with "King of France and Navarre 1715". This image invites reflection on the emotional impact of a leader's death on a nation. It encapsulates themes of loss, remembrance, and the transfer of power, reminding us that even the most powerful figures are subject to mortality.