Bust of Louis XIV by Coysevox in the King's chamber

3D model of the bust of Louis XIV sculpted by Antoine Coysevox and kept in the King's chamber.
The Royal Estates Bureau commissioned this marble bust from Coysevox (1640-1720) in 1679, at the same time as a bust depicting the Dauphin, Louis of France, known as Monseigneur, son of Louis XIV (Versailles, musée national du château). The objective of this prestigious commission was to underline the continuity of the dynasty. Thus the sun of Apollo decorates the pedestal of the bust of Louis XIV, whereas that of his son bears an image of a dolphin (“dauphin” in French), alluding to the title given to the heir to the French throne. Coysevox has captured all of the king’s majesty in the fullness of his 40th year. The sovereign is depicted as a warlord and is wearing armour onto which fall the locks of his wig, a veritable exercise in virtuosity. The haughty bearing of the head and the distant stare give this official portrait its great strength.