The Reception of Louis XIV at the Hôtel de Ville on the Occasion of his Recovery, January 30, 1687

About this artwork

This prints titled "The Reception of Louis XIV at the Hôtel de Ville on the Occasion of his Recovery, January 30, 1687" by Sébastien Leclerc I dates to 1687. Executed in etching, this work exemplifies the craftsmanship associated with Drawings and Prints. The piece demonstrates the technical skill and artistic vision characteristic of its period. The work's presence in a major museum collection attests to its significance in the broader narrative of art history. As part of institutional holdings...

Art Historical Context

In the grand tradition of 17th-century French printmaking, Sébastien Leclerc I's etching *The Reception of Louis XIV at the Hôtel de Ville on Occasion of his Recovery January 30, 1687* captures a moment of royal splendor. Created in 1687, this intimate sheet (14 9/16 x 9 1/16 in.) depicts the Sun King's triumphant welcome at Paris's city hall, marking his recovery from illness amid lavish public festivities. Leclerc, a master engraver favored by the court, skillfully renders architectural grandeur—evident in tags like "Palaces"—alongside symbolic elements such as cornucopias of abundance and Louis XIV's regal profile, emphasizing the era's opulent Baroque style. Etching, Leclerc's chosen medium, allowed for precise, fluid lines that reproduced intricate details with remarkable clarity, making such scenes accessible beyond elite circles. This technique was pivotal in disseminating royal propaganda during Louis XIV's absolutist reign, glorifying the monarch's divine health and the nation's prosperity. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department as part of The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, the print offers visitors a window into Versailles-era pageantry, blending historical pomp with artistic virtuosity.