The reformation of justice

The composition evokes the reform on civil legal proceedings of April 1667 (this is also the date which features in the inscription in the Boileau-Racine condition). The reform, along with the one on criminal justice of August 1670, is known as the “Louis code”. The king is depicted on his throne looking at Justice and crushing Obstacle beneath his feet. Judges are shown in the background ready to accept the new code promulgated by the king. It is worth noting that the four ovals surrounding the central composition differ from the others. They are painted on mounted canvas whereas the others are painted directly onto the vault; they are also larger, and Louis XIV is depicted in person instead of being represented by allegories as in the smaller ovals.

Full title : The reformation of justice, 1667