Louis XIV

Louis XIV

Claude Mellan

1667

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This engraving shows a man in fancy clothes, holding a book with "Code Louis XIV" written on it. His face looks serious, with curly hair and a high collar. Behind him, a woman in flowing robes holds a long staff, and a small figure with a crown kneels near her. The background has wavy lines and tiny flowers. The book and crown suggest this might be about power and rules. The artist used lines to build up shadows, giving the figures a 3D look. Check out how this was made using engraving.

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