Louis XIV presented by Minerva to the Arts - Simon Henri Thomassin
Archival giclée
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Description
A detailed 1723 engraving depicting the allegorical presentation of Louis XIV to the arts by the goddess Minerva.
This engraving by Simon Henri Thomassin, produced in 1723, serves as a formal reception piece for the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture. The composition functions as a visual panegyric to Louis XIV, positioning the monarch as the ultimate patron of the creative disciplines. At the upper right, Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and the arts, gestures towards a portrait medallion of the King, which is held aloft by a putto. This arrangement places the monarch in a celestial sphere, suggesting his divine right and his role as the guiding light for the figures below.
In the foreground, personifications of the arts are gathered. A female figure, representing Painting, holds a palette and brushes, while another figure nearby embodies Sculpture, indicated by the presence of a mallet and compasses. These figures look upward toward the portrait of the King, their postures conveying reverence and inspiration. A winged genius hovers between the terrestrial and celestial realms, acting as a conduit for the creative energy flowing from the monarch to the practitioners of the arts. In the lower right, young apprentices work at an easel, grounding the allegorical scene in the practical reality of artistic training.
Thomassin employs a sophisticated range of line work to define the textures of the clouds, the drapery of the figures, and the architectural elements in the background. The use of cross-hatching creates depth and volume, typical of the high-quality reproductive printmaking of the early eighteenth century. The Latin inscription at the base provides a formal dedication, reinforcing the connection between the Bourbon dynasty and the institutionalisation of the arts in France. This print offers a clear window into the visual language of the French court, where mythology and portraiture were combined to construct a specific image of royal authority and cultural stewardship.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Louis XIV presented by Minerva to the Arts - Simon Henri Thomassin
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