The French king Louis XIV was responsible for expanding his father's hunting lodge to house the government and courts of the nation. This gallery focuses on how he was portrayed in paint while at The Palace of Versailles.
Arrival of Louis XIV preceded by his guardsmen at the old palace of Versailles, Adam-Frans Van der Meulen, 1669 - 1669, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
This painting depicts Louis XIV approaching Versailles with his guardsmen. It is interesting how the artist achieves perspective by making the king large, with the army getting smaller in the distance.
Allegory of Louis XIV as Apollo on the Chariot of the Sun, Joseph Werner, le Jeune, 1664, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
This is a portrayal of Louis XIV as a Christ-like Apollo. Notice the light around the king's head, showing his "angelic" nature. He is the supreme being here, as all the other figures seemingly worship him. The only realistic thing in this painting is the king's face.
Reparations made to Louis XIV by the Doge of Genoa in the Hall of Mirrors of Versailles on 15 May 1685, Claude Guy Hallé, 17th century, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
This is a portrayal in paint of the submission of the Doge of Genoa to the king in 1685. Notice the bright colors of Louis XIV and his fellow Frenchmen, while the enemy is wearing black and bowing to the noble king.
Full-length portrait of Louis XIV, After Claude Lefebvre, Circa 1670, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
This is a full portrait of the king that shows him as commander of the army and navy. He is in full armor with a picture of ships behind him. The lines are mainly straight in this painting, showing the king to be stern and powerful.
Louis XIV, king of France, Hyacinthe Rigaud, 1702, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
This is another full-length portrait of the king. The painting was commissioned to give to his grandson, King Phillip V, of Spain, but Louis XIV liked it so much that it never left the palace. Notice the purple color of the king's robe- signifying his royalty.
This painting shows the king being "amused" by ideas from the Academy of Sciences. With all the scientific thought being implied in the painting, it seems strange that the king is still at the center. This implies that his efforts are vital to French science at the time.
Louis XIV , Antoine Benoist, Around 1705, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
This portrait of the king was done in wax and textile, with enamel used for the eye. This was an extremely accurate portrayal of the aging Louis XIV. The most amazing thing about this piece is its texture- using lace for the collar, wax for the face, and a real wig for the king's hair.
Louis XIV, king of France, Attributed to Jean Nocret, Circa 1653, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
The young Louis XIV is shown here in military attire. He is being awarded fame and wisdom by mythical beings. Notice the pictures of French architecture in the background. The king is the star of the portrait as he is placed dead center.
Allegory of Louis XIV, protector of the Arts and Sciences, Jean Garnier, Claude Lefebvre, 1670/1672, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
This portrait shows Louis XIV as protector of the liberal arts. His picture within the picture shows him on top of things like geography, music, lyrics, etc., like he was somewhat of a deity over these things.
In the Hall of Mirrors of Versailles, Louis XIV receives Mehemet Raza-Bey, Attributed to Antoine Coypel, 18th century, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
During the last year of his life, Louis XIV received the Turkish ambassador. The artist shows the king and his grandson (Louis XV) being showered with light. The king is once again shown in pompous attire, even though his health was failing.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
