Louis XIV, known as "the Great" and "the Sun King" (1643-1715)
Versailles Jewellery Collection
At the beginning of his reign, Louis XIV chose the sun as his emblem, thus identifying himself with Apollo, the solar god of peace and the arts, a star that regularly rises and sets and gives life to everything...
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Louis XIV, known as "the Great" and "the Sun King" (1643-1715)
Versailles Jewellery Collection
At the beginning of his reign, Louis XIV chose the sun as his emblem, thus identifying himself with Apollo, the solar god of peace and the arts, a star that regularly rises and sets and gives life to everything. A warrior hero, bringing peace and protector of the arts, Louis XIV by the regularity of his work, by his public lifts and sets, imprinted the resemblance with Apollo in the stone.
Throughout the decoration of the palace and its gardens, representations of the god and his attributes are present: on the ceilings, in the woodwork, in ironwork or in painting. This emblem was the most beautiful instrument of royal propaganda.
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