Artwork
France Crowned with Victory by Louis XIV
France Crowned with Victory by Louis XIV is an ink print by the Baroque artist François Verdier. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:on verso in graphite, possibly in the hand of Prosper de Baudicour: 1er état avant l'inscription au bas de la tapisserie / avan tle nom de Verdier sur la faux du Temps / épreuve unique, avant la tête de l'amour à droite terminé (rarissime); by later hand, upper left verso in brown ink: S9
About this work
Overview
France Crowned with Victory by Louis XIV is a c. 1694 etching on laid paper, identified as the artist's working proof. The print is characterized by a densely populated composition of figures in dynamic poses.
Subject & Meaning
At the composition's core, a draped female figure prepares to crown another, surrounded by an entourage of soldiers, angels, and mythological beings. The scene conveys a sense of controlled chaos, with all elements aligned in a unified directional flow, evoking the culmination of a tumultuous event.
Technique & Style
The etching showcases meticulous shading techniques, particularly evident in the rendering of thick, textured fabrics through fine cross-hatching. This method achieves a profound sense of depth, inviting tactile engagement with the printed surface.
History & Provenance
Attributed to François Verdier, this working proof dates to circa 1694. Further provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
Created during the reign of Louis XIV, the etching reflects the artistic and political climate of late 17th-century France, where such allegorical scenes often served to glorify monarchic power and victories.
Legacy
The legacy of this specific etching is not detailed in the provided sources, though it contributes to the broader understanding of 17th-century French printmaking techniques and the artistic glorification of Louis XIV's reign.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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