The Absolutism Of Louis XIV
Louis XIV embodies the most prestigious form of absolutism in France; he is one of the monarchs who most influenced the history of France and Europe. The installation of his government and his court at Versailles occurred in 1682, where numerous alterations and expansions were undertaken. Versailles not only became the symbol of power but also was actually an instrument of power.
The Palace of Versailles reflects the style and tastes of Louis XIV and the image he has of the functions of a royal: power, majesty and absolutism. The King is the top of the pyramid and governs by bringing in his people to handle the executive, legislative and judiciary positions in his court. He is also the head of the armies on land and sea. His will is synonymous with law.
Louis XIV skillfully staged his power: first by choosing the motto "Nec pluribus impar" , which means ‘above all’. Louis chose his emblem to be the sun. The symbolism he portrayed was that the nobles and lords that remained at Versailles must look to him for light, or which decision to make on political matters, “because like the sun he saw himself dispensing bounty across …show more content…
The intricate gardens he had built reflect the power of the King and his order. They are symmetrical, geometric, elegant and majestic and perfectly mastered. Louis XIV likes to show its gardens, as seen on the painting of Stephen Allegrain, he even wrote at the time a business plan that praised all external wonders. The castle also reflects the King's power: “Hardouin-Mansart added a second story and built the magnificent Hall of Mirrors and the north and south wings” (LinkParis). The interior is lavishly decorated. The Hall of Mirrors “owes its name to the seventeen mirror arches facing seventeen windows” (Paris Digest) which overlook the park. “Each arch contains twenty-one mirrors with a total of 357 in the spectacular Hall of Mirrors” (Paris
The Palace of Versailles reflects the style and tastes of Louis XIV and the image he has of the functions of a royal: power, majesty and absolutism. The King is the top of the pyramid and governs by bringing in his people to handle the executive, legislative and judiciary positions in his court. He is also the head of the armies on land and sea. His will is synonymous with law.
Louis XIV skillfully staged his power: first by choosing the motto "Nec pluribus impar" , which means ‘above all’. Louis chose his emblem to be the sun. The symbolism he portrayed was that the nobles and lords that remained at Versailles must look to him for light, or which decision to make on political matters, “because like the sun he saw himself dispensing bounty across …show more content…
The intricate gardens he had built reflect the power of the King and his order. They are symmetrical, geometric, elegant and majestic and perfectly mastered. Louis XIV likes to show its gardens, as seen on the painting of Stephen Allegrain, he even wrote at the time a business plan that praised all external wonders. The castle also reflects the King's power: “Hardouin-Mansart added a second story and built the magnificent Hall of Mirrors and the north and south wings” (LinkParis). The interior is lavishly decorated. The Hall of Mirrors “owes its name to the seventeen mirror arches facing seventeen windows” (Paris Digest) which overlook the park. “Each arch contains twenty-one mirrors with a total of 357 in the spectacular Hall of Mirrors” (Paris