Louis XIV

Artwork: Bust of Louis XIV of France 1638-1715) monarch the House of Bourbon

Artist: Unknown from Paris, France

Date: 1600

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: Height: 89.2 cm with socle, Height: 69.2 cm without socle, Width: 61 cm, Depth: 26 cm

Location: Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK

Photography by LillynisthArtist’s

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“This portrait was probably made around 1660, when the king was in his early 20s. Later to be known as the Sun King, the young monarch was asserting himself as absolute ruler. Around this date he started to rebuild the extravagant Château of Versailles, which was later to become his court and seat of government. The importance of valour, glory and military strength as virtues of sovereignty are reflected in the bust – traits that emulated Louis’s grandfather, Henri IV. The mantle is richly decorated with fleur-de-lys and he wears armour adorned with the Order of Saint-Esprit on which the ‘Hs’ in the chain represent Henri III, who founded the Order in 1578. Under Louis XIV, the Order became the highest honour bestowed on a subject.” (V&AM)

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