Louis XIV
1678
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1678
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Louis XIV is a 1678 ink by Carel Allard, a Baroque work, depicting Louis Xiv of France, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows King Louis XIV sitting stiffly in royal robes. The king’s wig and lace collar look almost solid under the light. Carel Allard made this in 1685, when prints of rulers were popular across Europe. Notice how the dark background pushes the king forward, making him appear larger than life. It’s a trick called chiaroscuro, where light and shadow create drama. Want to see more prints like this? Check out works by Rembrandt.
