Lodewijk XIV, koning van Frankrijk 1698

This is a bronze medal of Louis XIV, King of France, made by the medallist known only as Monogrammist R. It’s a fascinating object, speaking volumes about the construction of royal power in France. Notice the profile portrait of Louis: his distinctive wig and strong features were carefully crafted to project an image of authority. The inscription proclaims him ‘Louis the Great, King of France and Navarre.’ This wasn't just a statement of fact; it was a carefully managed piece of political messaging. Turn the medal over, and you see another layer of meaning. The imagery and text work together to reinforce Louis's power. Medals like these were not simply commemorative objects; they were tools of propaganda, intended to circulate an idealized image of the king throughout society. Understanding the medal requires looking into the history of the French monarchy and its relationship with artistic production. Resources in the Bibliotheque Nationale de France may help us to understand this artifact better. We need to remember that art doesn't exist in a vacuum, but it reflects the society that produces it.