Louis Xiv Of France Collection
Louis XIV of France, also known as the Sun King or Louis the Great, was a prominent figure in European history
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Louis XIV of France, also known as the Sun King or Louis the Great, was a prominent figure in European history. Born in 1638, he ascended to the throne at the tender age of four and reigned for an impressive 72 years until his death in 1715. Throughout his reign, Louis XIV left an indelible mark on France and its culture. He was a patron of arts and sciences, as depicted in Robert Nanteuil's portrait from 1667 where he exudes regal confidence. In another painting by an unknown artist, we see Colbert presenting members of the Royal Academy of Sciences to him in 1667, highlighting his support for intellectual pursuits. The full-length portrait from 1701 captures Louis XIV's majestic presence as he stands tall and proud, and is evident that this king took great pride in his appearance and projected power through lavish clothing and accessories. But it wasn't all about grandeur for Louis XIV; he knew how to enjoy life too. A glimpse into one such moment can be seen at a party held at Castle Marly around 1686. This small French royal residence served as a retreat where the king could relax with friends amidst beautiful surroundings. However, even kings face mortality. The somber scene depicting his deathbed shows young Louis XV bidding farewell to his predecessor while mourning their loss. It marked the end of an era characterized by opulence and absolute monarchy. Not everything during Louis XIV's reign was glamorous though; scandalous events like "The Affair of Poisons" tarnished his legacy. One infamous incident involved Abbe Etienne Guibourg conducting a black mass on Madame de Montespan's naked body under La Voisin's watchful eye. Despite these darker episodes, there is no denying that Louis XIV played a pivotal role in shaping French society during this period. His court became synonymous with brilliance and extravagance – symbolized by the grandeur depicted in Pierre Seguier's engraving.