Louis XIVLouis XIV

CulturalCultural

CulturalCultural Louis’ efforts to centralize power in France inevitably Louis’ efforts to centralize power in France inevitably

led to conflict with the Catholic Church. led to conflict with the Catholic Church. The Church insisted that it be supreme over the The Church insisted that it be supreme over the

monarchy. monarchy. In 1682, Louis answered by stripping the papacy of In 1682, Louis answered by stripping the papacy of

all its power in France.all its power in France. He eventually annulled the laws but had made his He eventually annulled the laws but had made his

point: the Church would never again issue Church point: the Church would never again issue Church laws dealing with French social, political or financial laws dealing with French social, political or financial issues. issues.

Louis committed to make religious reforms by Louis committed to make religious reforms by revoking the Edict of Nantes removing religious revoking the Edict of Nantes removing religious freedom in France.freedom in France.

This decision was not made out of religious This decision was not made out of religious intolerance but to unite the Church and state under intolerance but to unite the Church and state under the king’s leadership.the king’s leadership.

Cultural: Catholic Church Cultural: Catholic Church ContinuedContinued

He did not want to be fully submissive to He did not want to be fully submissive to the pope but did not want full separation the pope but did not want full separation for he thought that it was “an advantage for he thought that it was “an advantage that the Roman Curia should be that the Roman Curia should be favorable to him rather than favorable to him rather than unfavorable.”unfavorable.”

Louis wanted religious unity in his Louis wanted religious unity in his kingdom so he looked unfavorably upon kingdom so he looked unfavorably upon the Jansenists, Quietists, and the Jansenists, Quietists, and Protestants. Protestants.

He believed in Gallicanism—a belief that the monarchy He believed in Gallicanism—a belief that the monarchy had certain inalienable rights over the Catholic Churchhad certain inalienable rights over the Catholic Church

The Concordat of Francis I placed a large number of The Concordat of Francis I placed a large number of benefices at Louis’ XIV disposal. benefices at Louis’ XIV disposal.

In the 1670’s, he instituted the right for French kings to In the 1670’s, he instituted the right for French kings to be able to appoint the lower clergymen and to collect be able to appoint the lower clergymen and to collect the “revenues from a diocese [a district of the church the “revenues from a diocese [a district of the church run by the bishop] when it was vacant”run by the bishop] when it was vacant”

He erred in his readiness to dispense bishops from their He erred in his readiness to dispense bishops from their dioceses. dioceses.

This is actuallyThis is actually

How Louis XIV’s How Louis XIV’s

Crown looked like! Crown looked like!

Cultural ContinuedCultural Continued

Louis Praying---Divine RightLouis Praying---Divine Right

Cultural Characteristics Cultural Characteristics ContinuedContinued

The Catholic Church orchestrated The Catholic Church orchestrated the government’s reconquest of the government’s reconquest of domestic control. domestic control.

They monitored printing, They monitored printing, crippling the emerging press. crippling the emerging press.

The French language itself The French language itself became an object of government became an object of government concern through the newly concern through the newly created created Academie FrancaiseAcademie Francaise

Pair-Share:Pair-Share:

On your Left Side of the Notes, you On your Left Side of the Notes, you and your partner are to evaluate the and your partner are to evaluate the success of Louis XIV’s belief in “one success of Louis XIV’s belief in “one king, one country, and one faith.”king, one country, and one faith.”

Cultural: ArtsCultural: Arts To celebrate the glories of his reign, Louis To celebrate the glories of his reign, Louis

became a patron of the arts and lettersbecame a patron of the arts and letters Both he and Colbert shared the idea of glorifying Both he and Colbert shared the idea of glorifying

the monarch and the monarchy through arts – the monarch and the monarchy through arts – again, the result of which Louis was known as again, the result of which Louis was known as “The Sun King”---PROPAGANDA“The Sun King”---PROPAGANDA

His taste was not always good, and he seemed to His taste was not always good, and he seemed to discourage individuality, but his palaces were discourage individuality, but his palaces were decorated in a magnificent manner, with decorated in a magnificent manner, with paintings celebrating the victories of Alexander, paintings celebrating the victories of Alexander, Caesar, and LouisCaesar, and Louis

The finest example of Louis’s desire for The finest example of Louis’s desire for magnificence is the Palace of Versaillesmagnificence is the Palace of Versailles

Louis himself became the most admired and Louis himself became the most admired and emulated monarch in Europeemulated monarch in Europe

French culture spread everywhereFrench culture spread everywhere

CulturalCultural He opened the first school of ballet.He opened the first school of ballet. He purchased what's known today as the He purchased what's known today as the

Hope Diamond. (Now in the Smithsonian. Hope Diamond. (Now in the Smithsonian. Uncut it was originally the size of a fist!)Uncut it was originally the size of a fist!)

1759-Commissioned botanist Jussieu to 1759-Commissioned botanist Jussieu to create a botanical garden on the Trianon create a botanical garden on the Trianon groundsgrounds

Was passionate about botany and Was passionate about botany and undertook a project to inventory all undertook a project to inventory all known plant speciesknown plant species

CulturalCultural

Collected clocks, barometers, Collected clocks, barometers, microscopes, and telescopesmicroscopes, and telescopes

Helped produce one of the first maps Helped produce one of the first maps of Franceof France

CulturalCultural

Enjoyed theatre.Enjoyed theatre. His influences on the His influences on the

theatre are still theatre are still present today.present today.

-Deep box stage.-Deep box stage. -Audience sits in -Audience sits in

front.front.

CulturalCultural

-A curtain was -A curtain was used.used.

-Wing space -Wing space utilized.utilized.

-Elaborate scenery.-Elaborate scenery. -Mechanical devices -Mechanical devices

were used. were used. -Females -Females

performed.performed.

Cultural: Arts Cont.Cultural: Arts Cont. The Paris Observatory 1667The Paris Observatory 1667

Academies of Architecture (1671), Music (1672)Academies of Architecture (1671), Music (1672) Academie FranAcademie Franççaise (1671)aise (1671)

Cultural: Arts - LouvreCultural: Arts - Louvre

Perhaps the second most remarkable building constructed in the time Perhaps the second most remarkable building constructed in the time period was the Louvre, completed by Claude Perraultperiod was the Louvre, completed by Claude Perrault

Pair-Share:Pair-Share:

On your Left Side, you and your On your Left Side, you and your partner are to decide of all the partner are to decide of all the Cultural Changes made by Louis XIV, Cultural Changes made by Louis XIV, which are your TOP THREE and which are your TOP THREE and explain why.explain why.

Cultural: Arts as Cultural: Arts as PropagandaPropaganda

The French Academy created a strict format for instruction with Colbert at the top.The French Academy created a strict format for instruction with Colbert at the top. For the visual arts, the assumption all underlying instruction was that the practice For the visual arts, the assumption all underlying instruction was that the practice

of art could be learned by application of certain precepts and that these precepts of art could be learned by application of certain precepts and that these precepts could be discovered by a process of rational analysis.could be discovered by a process of rational analysis.

However, the style produced in the visual arts represented a compromise. However, the style produced in the visual arts represented a compromise. Baroque art appealed to Louis XIV for its richness and grand scale. Baroque art appealed to Louis XIV for its richness and grand scale.

But Baroque art had been developed primarily for religious needs and was thus But Baroque art had been developed primarily for religious needs and was thus considered unsuitable for court usage by Colbert and Lebrun. considered unsuitable for court usage by Colbert and Lebrun.

They wanted a more secular, more rational style, one more suitable to the They wanted a more secular, more rational style, one more suitable to the traditions of classicism.traditions of classicism.

In other words, Italian Baroque art was tempered by what the French calledIn other words, Italian Baroque art was tempered by what the French called le bon le bon goutgout (good taste). (good taste).

The dictatorship of Colbert and Lebrun imposed this style all over France.The dictatorship of Colbert and Lebrun imposed this style all over France. Among the many results of this dictatorship was the fact that Paris began to Among the many results of this dictatorship was the fact that Paris began to

supersede Rome as the artistic capital of Europe.supersede Rome as the artistic capital of Europe.

•Richelieu had been very powerful and influential; Mazarin continued that trend. He continued and expanded state patronage of the arts.

•1648: creation of the French Academy of Art with Charles Lebrun as Director

•The intention of the academy was to train artists and control artistic style in France. • To this end, Mazarin and Lebrun imposed strict rules for admission to membership in the academy and for the form and content of the art produced in the academy.

Cultural: Art as PropagandaCultural: Art as Propaganda

Cultural: Art as PropagandaCultural: Art as Propaganda

In the arts, Charles Lebrun became In the arts, Charles Lebrun became Colbert’s right arm--he was in essence Colbert’s right arm--he was in essence a dictator of the arts. a dictator of the arts.

In 1648, the Royal Academy of In 1648, the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture had been Painting and Sculpture had been established. established.

In 1663, Colbert and Lebrun In 1663, Colbert and Lebrun reorganized it into a state art reorganized it into a state art machine.machine.

Cultural: Art as PropagandaCultural: Art as Propaganda

In other words, Italian baroque art was In other words, Italian baroque art was tempered by what the French calledtempered by what the French called le le bon goutbon gout (good taste). (good taste).

The dictatorship of Colbert and Lebrun The dictatorship of Colbert and Lebrun imposed this style all over France. imposed this style all over France.

Among the many results of this Among the many results of this dictatorship was the fact that Paris dictatorship was the fact that Paris began to supersede Rome as the began to supersede Rome as the artistic capital of Europe.artistic capital of Europe.

Louis and family, as Roman Louis and family, as Roman gods gods

Far from being a pagan image, the royal sun was the image of the divine right of kingship, a concept accepted throughout the monarchies of Europe

The Sun Myth and the ArtsThe Sun Myth and the Arts Louis XIV chose the sun as his Louis XIV chose the sun as his

emblem.emblem. The sun was associated with The sun was associated with

Apollo, god of peace and arts, Apollo, god of peace and arts, and was also the heavenly and was also the heavenly body which gave life to all body which gave life to all things, regulating everything things, regulating everything as it rose and set. as it rose and set.

Like Apollo, the warrior-king Like Apollo, the warrior-king Louis XIV brought peace[at Louis XIV brought peace[at least in the early days!], was a least in the early days!], was a patron of the arts, and patron of the arts, and dispensed his bounty. dispensed his bounty.

The regularity of his work The regularity of his work habits and his ritual risings habits and his ritual risings and retirings (levee and and retirings (levee and couchee) were another point couchee) were another point of solar comparison.of solar comparison.

Throughout Versailles, Throughout Versailles, decoration combines images decoration combines images and attributes of Apollo: and attributes of Apollo: laurel, lyre, tripod with the laurel, lyre, tripod with the king's portraits and emblems king's portraits and emblems : the double LL, the royal : the double LL, the royal crown, the sceptre and hand crown, the sceptre and hand of justice. of justice.

The Apollo Salon is the main The Apollo Salon is the main room of the Grand room of the Grand Apartment  because it was Apartment  because it was originally the monarch's originally the monarch's state chamber. state chamber.

The path of the sun is also The path of the sun is also traced in the layout of the traced in the layout of the gardens.  Louis is depicted gardens.  Louis is depicted at the Greek God, Apollo, in at the Greek God, Apollo, in the painting below - - one of the painting below - - one of Louis's personal favorites. Louis's personal favorites.

•The Sun MythLouis XIV chose the sun as his emblem. •The sun was associated with Apollo, god of peace and arts, and was also the heavenly body which gave life to all things, regulating everything as it rose and set. •Like Apollo, the warrior-king Louis XIV brought peace, was a patron of the arts, and dispensed his bounty. •The regularity of his work habits and his ritual risings and retirings (levee and couchee) were another point of solar comparison.• Throughout Versailles, decoration combines images and attributes of Apollo (laurel, lyre, tripod) with the king's portraits and emblems (the double LL, the royal crown, the sceptre and hand of justice).• The Apollo Salon is the main room of the Grand Apartment because it was originally the monarch's state chamber. •The path of the sun is also traced in the layout of the gardens.

Louis XIV as ApolloLouis XIV as Apollo

•Louis' fascination with the image of Apollo, god of the sun:•When Louis XIV was crowned his interest in dancing was strongly supported and encouraged by Italian-born Cardinal Mazarin, (formerly Mazarini), who assisted Louis XIV. •The young king made his ballet debut as a boy, but it was in 1653 as a teenager that he accomplished his most memorable feat as a dancer. •He performed a series of dances in Le Ballet de la Nuit and for his final piece he appeared as Apollo, god of the sun. •Wearing a fancy golden Roman-cut corselet and a kilt of golden rays he came to be known as the Sun King. •The sun's ray are worn on his head, around his neck and waist. •Apollo's face appears on his corselet. For the costume, Louis wore a special blonde wig.•Louis established the Académie Royale de Dance in 1661 in Paris •At the right, in another interpretation of the Apollo costume, Louis wears a skirt and long -waisted tunic with sun motif, ribbons and flowers, while carrying the symbol of Apollo, the lyre.

Louis as Apollo in his ballet Louis as Apollo in his ballet costumecostume

Louis’s Ballet Louis’s Ballet Le' ballet entered into the picture as the prolific Le' ballet entered into the picture as the prolific

behavioral central ruse.behavioral central ruse. What an idea, lets act out in full public view What an idea, lets act out in full public view

what he wanted French society rules to what he wanted French society rules to become, through its class of Nobles first.become, through its class of Nobles first.

Then, and most important, how they are to Then, and most important, how they are to behave in his royal court. behave in his royal court.

This was included in the choreography of the This was included in the choreography of the actual dance performance right their in the actual dance performance right their in the open public - while at the same time they, the open public - while at the same time they, the very same nobles, having to pay the money very same nobles, having to pay the money for this performance  themselves.  for this performance  themselves. 

Louis XIVLouis XIV Hyacinthe Hyacinthe RigaudRigaud

Identify the elements Identify the elements which show Louis as an which show Louis as an

absolute monarch.absolute monarch.

Absolute Monarch Elements Absolute Monarch Elements in the Paintingin the Painting

RobeRobe

– Royal purpleRoyal purple

– Robe lining of ermineRobe lining of ermine

– Robe design spills over into furnitureRobe design spills over into furniture

– Fleurs de lis of gold (France, House of Bourbon)Fleurs de lis of gold (France, House of Bourbon) SwordSword: military might, gold with jewels: military might, gold with jewels StanceStance

– Louis stands above viewerLouis stands above viewer

– Hand on scepter (signifies power and authority)Hand on scepter (signifies power and authority)

– Other hand on hipOther hand on hip

– Head turned to acknowledge viewer (but not as equal)Head turned to acknowledge viewer (but not as equal) DraperyDrapery: red expensive material: red expensive material ColumnColumn

– Holds up an impressive building Holds up an impressive building

– Louis is the pillar of FranceLouis is the pillar of France

L’ ouis XIV as Apollo

L’ ouis XIV as Apollo

Continuing the Mythology of Apollo •Louis apparently loved paintings with mythological themes.•In 1670, painter Jean Nocret painted Louis and his family as Olympian gods. •Louis, wears a sun-gold gown open to the waist and crowned with a laurel wreath, symbol of Apollo. •The costume derives from a 1678 painting shows Louis dressed as a Roman emperor.

Louis XIV Louis XIV depicted as depicted as Alexander Alexander vs. Dariusvs. Darius

The Battle The Battle of Issus of Issus 

333 BC333 BC

The Sun SymbolThe Sun Symbol

On your Left Side:On your Left Side:

After examining how Louis XIV used After examining how Louis XIV used art as propaganda, compare and art as propaganda, compare and contrast what he did with one of the contrast what he did with one of the leaders you studied last year in leaders you studied last year in Eastern World.Eastern World.– MaoMao– Specific Chinese DynastySpecific Chinese Dynasty– Etc…Etc…

Fashions Serve a Dual Fashions Serve a Dual PurposePurpose Then in the twist and turn of his own and very nimble Then in the twist and turn of his own and very nimble

genius came the even more brilliant additional idea genius came the even more brilliant additional idea - behind the pomp and circumstance contained in his - behind the pomp and circumstance contained in his vision. vision.

He was to create, and to further inspire very, very, very He was to create, and to further inspire very, very, very expensive fashion styles for the French nobility.   expensive fashion styles for the French nobility.  

Selected coutures were invited to his Parisian court Selected coutures were invited to his Parisian court carrying the ordered most expensive fabrics carrying the ordered most expensive fabrics and accessories they had, and he showed them how to and accessories they had, and he showed them how to modify their designs and told of he would help them modify their designs and told of he would help them make a lot of money at the same time.  make a lot of money at the same time. 

He knew this meant that lots of money was going to be He knew this meant that lots of money was going to be spent.  The central theme of this promotion is ....spent.  The central theme of this promotion is ....

  

Fashion Serves a Dual Fashion Serves a Dual PurposePurpose We're talking about cost, in today’s We're talking about cost, in today’s

terms, for male court fashions at around $ terms, for male court fashions at around $ 5,000.00, and female $ 15,000.00 and the 5,000.00, and female $ 15,000.00 and the jewelry was going as high as $ 500,000.00 - jewelry was going as high as $ 500,000.00 - all being supplied and crafted by the all being supplied and crafted by the emerging middle class of Paris itself. emerging middle class of Paris itself. 

Then as the opening of The Sun King Ballet Then as the opening of The Sun King Ballet staring as the first " historic " male principal staring as the first " historic " male principal dancer King Louis XIV himself, tights and dancer King Louis XIV himself, tights and all, the ruse, or resulting behavior all, the ruse, or resulting behavior modification was sprung upon the French modification was sprung upon the French nobles....nobles....

Louis as Apollo in his ballet Louis as Apollo in his ballet costumecostume

Pair-SharePair-Share

On your Left Side, compare and On your Left Side, compare and contrast how fashion functioned and contrast how fashion functioned and defined social class under Louis XIV defined social class under Louis XIV to how fashion relates to social class to how fashion relates to social class and status today.and status today.

How does this relate to How does this relate to Absolute Monarchy?Absolute Monarchy?

“ “Nothing marks the greatness of Nothing marks the greatness of princes better than the buildings that princes better than the buildings that compel the people to look on them compel the people to look on them with awe, and all posterity judges with awe, and all posterity judges them by the superb palaces they them by the superb palaces they have built during their lifetime”have built during their lifetime”

-- Jean-Baptiste Colbert-- Jean-Baptiste Colbert

The palace situated between the village of Versailles and the park with grand avenues radiating from the Court of Honor

The garden in detail reflects the geometry of the plan at the urban and regional scale.

The principal approach connected with the Champs Elysees in Paris.

Cultural: Arts - VersaillesCultural: Arts - Versailles It was originally the site of the log cabin that his It was originally the site of the log cabin that his

father used to stay at while on hunting tripsfather used to stay at while on hunting trips Versailles was so large that it took 35 000 people Versailles was so large that it took 35 000 people

more than three decades to build itmore than three decades to build it In 1661, Louis had spent $100 million to build the In 1661, Louis had spent $100 million to build the

palacepalace Interior furnished with mosaics, painting, and Interior furnished with mosaics, painting, and

mirrorsmirrors Palace surrounded by acres of gardens, lakes, and Palace surrounded by acres of gardens, lakes, and

fountainsfountains Cost was staggering, but Louis pushed for Cost was staggering, but Louis pushed for

completioncompletion

Pair-Share:Pair-Share:

Ms. Barben is going to share a Ms. Barben is going to share a primary source account about Louis’s primary source account about Louis’s use of art and Versailles.use of art and Versailles.

On your Left Side, what is Jean On your Left Side, what is Jean Domat saying about Louis XIV?Domat saying about Louis XIV?

VersaillesVersailles

Tour Versailles

“Among the rights that the laws give the sovereign should be included [the right] to display all the signs of grandeur and majesty necessary to make manifest the authority and dignity of such wide-ranging and lofty power, and to impress veneration for it upon the minds of all subjects. For although they should see in it the power of God Who has established it and should revere it apart from any visible signs of grandeur, nevertheless since God accompanies His own power with visible splendor on earth and in the heavens as in a throne and a palace...”

“He permits that the power He shares with sovereigns be proportionately enhanced by them in ways suitable for arousing respect in the people. This can only be done by the splendor that radiates from the magnificence of their palaces and the other visible signs of grandeur that surround them, and whose use He Himself has given to the princes who have ruled according to His spirit.” – Jean Domat, Jurist

The Hall of Mirrors

The Chapel at Versailles

The Queen’s Bedroom

The King’s Bedroom

Louis XIV Loved to Spend

Money!!!

The Sun King’s Palace at The Sun King’s Palace at VersaillesVersailles

The Versailles Palace TodayThe Versailles Palace Today

The construction The construction however was not however was not easy. easy.

The marshes bred The marshes bred disease and of the disease and of the estimated 35,000 estimated 35,000 workers, hundreds workers, hundreds died every day. died every day.

Palace at VersaillesPalace at Versailles

Cost over $2 billion in modern dollarsCost over $2 billion in modern dollars 36000 laborers36000 laborers 6000 horses6000 horses 15000 acres of gardens, lawns and 15000 acres of gardens, lawns and

woodswoods 1400 fountains1400 fountains Palace itself was 500 yards longPalace itself was 500 yards long Small royal citySmall royal city

The cost of The cost of Versailles will Versailles will never be known never be known due to the fact that due to the fact that Louis destroyed all Louis destroyed all the receipts.the receipts.

It is estimated to It is estimated to have cost have cost $1,500,000,000 to $1,500,000,000 to build and maintain.build and maintain.

Louis in the GardensLouis in the Gardens

Louis would stroll Louis would stroll through the through the gardens with his gardens with his court nobles.court nobles.

The common The common people could visit people could visit the gardens and the gardens and see their glorious see their glorious king.king.

Versailles StatisticsVersailles Statisticsf 2,000 acres of groundsf 12 miles of roadsf 27 miles of trellisesf 200,000 treesf 210,000 flowers planted every yearf 80 miles of rows of treesf 55 acres surface area of the Grand Canalf 12 miles of enclosing wallsf 50 fountains and 620 fountain nozzlesf 21 miles of water conduitsf 3,600 cubic meters per hour: water consumedf 26 acres of rooff 51,210 square meters of floorsf 2,153 windowsf 700 roomsf 67 staircasesf 6,000 paintingsf 1,500 drawings and 15,000 engravingsf 2,100 sculptures f 5,000 items of furniture and objects d'artf 150 varieties of apple and peach trees in the Vegetable

Garden

800 hectares (2,000 acres) of grounds 20 kilometres (12 miles) of roads46 kilometres (27 miles) of trellises200,000 trees210,000 flowers planted every year132 kilometres (80 miles) of rows of trees23 hectares (55 acres): surface area of the Grand Canal5.57 kilometres (3.3 miles): perimeter of the Grand Canal

20 kilometres (12 miles) of enclosing walls50 fountains620 fountain nozzles35 kilometres (21 miles) of water conduits3,600 cubic meters per hour: water consumed during Full Play of Fountains11 hectares (26 acres) of roof51,210 square meters of floors

2,153 windows700 rooms67 staircases6,000 paintings1,500 drawings and 15,000 engravings2,100 sculptures5,000 items of furniture and objets d'art150 varieties of apple and peach trees in the Vegetable Garden

Versailles TodayVersailles Today

Louis Le Vau opened up the interior court to create the expansive Louis Le Vau opened up the interior court to create the expansive entrance entrance cour d’honneur,cour d’honneur, later copied all over Europe later copied all over Europe

The Grand Trianon

The Petit Trianon

Versailles and its GardensVersailles and its Gardens The palace was landscaped into a vast park, that The palace was landscaped into a vast park, that

included great fountains, lakes, ponds, and dozens included great fountains, lakes, ponds, and dozens of marble statues. of marble statues.

In the center of the grounds, workers built the In the center of the grounds, workers built the Grand Canal, an artificial lake which extended for a Grand Canal, an artificial lake which extended for a length of one mile. length of one mile.

Trees were planted by the hundreds, and from Trees were planted by the hundreds, and from everywhere about the grounds you could see green everywhere about the grounds you could see green lawn carpets, waterfalls, and trees lining the lawn carpets, waterfalls, and trees lining the walkways in uniform rows.walkways in uniform rows.

The park at Versailles was composed of three main The park at Versailles was composed of three main parts, the garden, the small park, and the big park. parts, the garden, the small park, and the big park.

The marble statue represented the Greek athlete The marble statue represented the Greek athlete Milo, an Olympic champion. Milo, an Olympic champion.

Construction Construction

Drained swamps Drained swamps & moved forests & moved forests to create 250 to create 250 acres of formal acres of formal gardensgardens

Entire estate = Entire estate = 2,000 acres2,000 acres

30,000 laborers30,000 laborers Charles Lebrun = Charles Lebrun =

main decoratermain decorater

Palais de VersaillesPalais de Versailles

Versailles and its GardensVersailles and its Gardens Flowerbeds were Flowerbeds were

planted everywhere and planted everywhere and wooden boxes were wooden boxes were filled with flowering filled with flowering plants, which could be plants, which could be moved indoors for moved indoors for special occasions. special occasions.

Many of the plants had Many of the plants had their plants replaced as their plants replaced as many as 15 times a many as 15 times a year so that Versailles year so that Versailles was always bright with was always bright with flowers.flowers.

ff

Palais de VersaillesPalais de Versailles

La Chateau de Versailles

Built under the direction of achitect, Louis le Vau, beginning in 1668.

The gardens of Versailles, as seen from the PalaceThe gardens of Versailles, as seen from the Palace

A drawing of Versailles when it was first built.A drawing of Versailles when it was first built.

André Le

Nôtre, Royal

Gardener

André Le

Nôtre, Royal

Gardener

Palace of Versailles (Hall of Mirrors)

The Gallery of Battles

The Gallery of Battles

Other Kings Tried To Build Other Kings Tried To Build Their Own VersaillesTheir Own Versailles

Peter the GreatPeter the Great: Built the Peterhof Palace : Built the Peterhof Palace after visiting Versailles and the Winter after visiting Versailles and the Winter Palace both in the new capital of St. Palace both in the new capital of St. PetersburgPetersburg

Catherine the GreatCatherine the Great: Built the Hermitage : Built the Hermitage in St. Petersburgin St. Petersburg

Frederick the GreatFrederick the Great: Build the Sans Souci : Build the Sans Souci Palace in 1744 in Potsdam outside BerlinPalace in 1744 in Potsdam outside Berlin

Maria TheresaMaria Theresa: Built Schoenbrunn in : Built Schoenbrunn in Vienna from 1706-1711Vienna from 1706-1711

Schoenbrunn Palace

Versailles

Schoenbrunn Versailles

Schoenbrunn

Versailles

Social AspectsSocial Aspects

Spectacle at Versailles

Versailles was a grand spectacle of Versailles was a grand spectacle of kingly power kingly power

Louis XIV’s style, ceremony emphasized political Louis XIV’s style, ceremony emphasized political strengthstrength

Practically every moment of king’s day required Practically every moment of king’s day required rituals by bowing courtiersrituals by bowing courtiers

– Eating, dressing, walking in garden, all required a ritualEating, dressing, walking in garden, all required a ritual

– Louis always knew who had given what he considered Louis always knew who had given what he considered proper attentionproper attention

Social: Use Versailles To Control The Social: Use Versailles To Control The NoblesNobles

The court consisted of The court consisted of 20,00020,000 persons that included 9,000 soldiers, persons that included 9,000 soldiers, 5,000 servants, 1,000 great lords and members of the nobility, 1,000 5,000 servants, 1,000 great lords and members of the nobility, 1,000 lesser aristocrats (who visited the court on a daily basis) and 4-5,000 lesser aristocrats (who visited the court on a daily basis) and 4-5,000 bureaucrats to manage the official business. bureaucrats to manage the official business.

The court was further supported by 2,500 horses, 200 coaches, and The court was further supported by 2,500 horses, 200 coaches, and 5,000 hunting dogs.5,000 hunting dogs.

The great lords and members of the nobility were required to live at The great lords and members of the nobility were required to live at Versailles--in the palace--so that the king could keep track of them. Versailles--in the palace--so that the king could keep track of them.

They were required to wear entirely new clothing (down to their They were required to wear entirely new clothing (down to their linens) for the king’s fetes and other important social occasions. linens) for the king’s fetes and other important social occasions.

They could beg permission to return to their lands periodically in They could beg permission to return to their lands periodically in order to regroup financially!order to regroup financially!

Social:

•Louis XIV proclaimed Versailles to be the seat of the government on May 6, 1682.

•In effect, the entire bureaucracy moved from Paris to the suburban villa of the king.

•The court consisted of 20,000 persons that included 9,000 soldiers, 5,000 servants, 1,000 great lords and members of the nobility, 1,000 lesser aristocrats (who visited the court on a daily basis) and 4-5,000 bureaucrats to manage the official business.

•The court was further supported by 2,500 horses, 200 coaches, and 5,000 hunting dogs.

•The great lords and members of the nobility were required to live at Versailles--in the palace--so that the king could keep track of them.

•They were required to wear entirely new clothing (down to their linens) for the king’s fetes and other important social occasions.

•They could beg permission to return to their lands periodically in order to regroup financially!

Purpose of Palace of Purpose of Palace of VersaillesVersailles

Power in center = government offices, homes of Power in center = government offices, homes of thousands of courtiers, their retinues, & attendant thousands of courtiers, their retinues, & attendant functionaries of the court lived in the Palace.functionaries of the court lived in the Palace.

Strict court etiquette that Louis XIV established was Strict court etiquette that Louis XIV established was epitomized in elaborate ceremonies & parties. epitomized in elaborate ceremonies & parties.

Versailles continued…Versailles continued…

Louis used this palace as a means of Louis used this palace as a means of controlling high level nobles. controlling high level nobles.

Other European countries envied the Other European countries envied the Palace and it was the goal of every Palace and it was the goal of every French noble to live there which Louis French noble to live there which Louis used a controlling tool. used a controlling tool.

Nobles would surrender power to him Nobles would surrender power to him for pensions or invitations to live at for pensions or invitations to live at the Palace.the Palace.

Louis Controls the NoblesLouis Controls the Nobles Louis was especially worried Louis was especially worried

about controlling the nobilityabout controlling the nobility He excluded (kept out) them He excluded (kept out) them

from his councilsfrom his councils He had the nobles live with He had the nobles live with

him at the palacehim at the palace He had 100 nobles each day, He had 100 nobles each day,

waiting to help him dress in waiting to help him dress in the morningthe morning

Having the nobles at the Having the nobles at the palace increases nobility in palace increases nobility in two ways:two ways:– Made them completely Made them completely

dependant on Louisdependant on Louis– It took them away from their It took them away from their

homes, making rebellion harderhomes, making rebellion harder– It also increased the power of It also increased the power of

the intendants (govt. agents) the intendants (govt. agents) who collected taxes & were like who collected taxes & were like a police forcea police force

““Hold your friends close and Hold your friends close and your enemies closer” your enemies closer”

As a noble, your status was As a noble, your status was now shown by your proximity now shown by your proximity (closeness) to the king and (closeness) to the king and your willingness to spend your willingness to spend

money to show off at the courtmoney to show off at the court

On your Left Side:On your Left Side:

As Ms. Barben shares with you some As Ms. Barben shares with you some of the rules of etiquette, write down of the rules of etiquette, write down the ones that interested, shocked, or the ones that interested, shocked, or surprised you the most and why?surprised you the most and why?

Then write down any modern Then write down any modern behaviors that we do today that 100 behaviors that we do today that 100 years from now may interest, shock, years from now may interest, shock, or surprise that generation and why.or surprise that generation and why.

Court EtiquetteCourt Etiquette People who wanted to speak to the king could not knock on his door. People who wanted to speak to the king could not knock on his door. Instead, using the left little finger, they had to gently scratch on the door, until they Instead, using the left little finger, they had to gently scratch on the door, until they

were granted permission to enter. were granted permission to enter. A lady never held hands or linked arms with a gentleman.A lady never held hands or linked arms with a gentleman. Besides being in bad taste, this practice would have been impossible because a Besides being in bad taste, this practice would have been impossible because a

womanwoman ﾕﾕ s hooped skirts were so wide.s hooped skirts were so wide. Instead, she was to place her hand on top of the gentlemanInstead, she was to place her hand on top of the gentleman ﾕﾕ s bent arm as they s bent arm as they

strolled through the gardens and chambers of Versailles. strolled through the gardens and chambers of Versailles. It is also mentioned that the ladies were only allowed to touch fingertips with the men.It is also mentioned that the ladies were only allowed to touch fingertips with the men. Women and men were not allowed to cross their legs in public.Women and men were not allowed to cross their legs in public. When a gentleman passed an acquaintance on the street, he was to raise his hat When a gentleman passed an acquaintance on the street, he was to raise his hat

high off his head until the other person passed.high off his head until the other person passed. A gentleman was to do no work except writing letters, giving speeches, practicing A gentleman was to do no work except writing letters, giving speeches, practicing

fencing, or dancing.fencing, or dancing. For pleasure, he engaged in hawking, archery, indoor tennis, or hunting. For pleasure, he engaged in hawking, archery, indoor tennis, or hunting. A gentleman would also take part in battle and would sometimes serve as a public A gentleman would also take part in battle and would sometimes serve as a public

officer, paying the soldiers.officer, paying the soldiers.

Ladies’ clothing did not allow them to do much Ladies’ clothing did not allow them to do much besides sit and walk. besides sit and walk.

However, they passed the time sewing, knitting, However, they passed the time sewing, knitting, writing letters, painting, making their own lace, and writing letters, painting, making their own lace, and creating their own cosmetics and perfumes.[4] creating their own cosmetics and perfumes.[4]

In addition, etiquette ordained the order of In addition, etiquette ordained the order of prominence at court, limited or extended access prominence at court, limited or extended access based on rank or favor, rigidly maintained complex based on rank or favor, rigidly maintained complex customs of address, and even who could sit or stand customs of address, and even who could sit or stand under what circumstances in the royal presence or under what circumstances in the royal presence or that of the great nobles.that of the great nobles.

Social: Court Life at Social: Court Life at VersaillesVersailles The palace had elegant royal apartments, sweeping The palace had elegant royal apartments, sweeping

staircases, mirrored halls, and lavish salons and dining staircases, mirrored halls, and lavish salons and dining rooms.rooms.

There were offices for government bureaucrats.There were offices for government bureaucrats. As many as 10,000 people lived at Versailles.As many as 10,000 people lived at Versailles. Louis insisted on the most elaborate court etiquette, and Louis insisted on the most elaborate court etiquette, and

insisted that his nobles wait on him hand and foot – they insisted that his nobles wait on him hand and foot – they even saw him while he was on the Great Porcelain Throne.even saw him while he was on the Great Porcelain Throne.

Louis had his nobles wait on him so they would not be Louis had his nobles wait on him so they would not be involved in government service. The nobility was involved in government service. The nobility was dependant on Louis for pensions, court posts, etc…dependant on Louis for pensions, court posts, etc…

In exchange for ending the nobles power, they were In exchange for ending the nobles power, they were exempt from taxation.exempt from taxation.

Social: Court Life at Social: Court Life at VersaillesVersailles

Court life was a mixture of parties, balls, Court life was a mixture of parties, balls, dances, plays, puppet shows, concerts, dances, plays, puppet shows, concerts, hunting, and a variety of other things.hunting, and a variety of other things.

Louis created elaborate opportunities for the Louis created elaborate opportunities for the nobility to serve him.nobility to serve him.

It was considered an honor to be allowed to It was considered an honor to be allowed to help the king rise in the morning, and go to help the king rise in the morning, and go to bed at night.bed at night.

During the rituals, noblemen helped wash and During the rituals, noblemen helped wash and dress the king and prepare him for the day.dress the king and prepare him for the day.

Nobles Waiting on LouisNobles Waiting on Louis

Social: Court LifeSocial: Court Life From this time forward, the king alone would be the From this time forward, the king alone would be the

one to reward merits, notable service and fidelity to one to reward merits, notable service and fidelity to his person or state.his person or state.

The hereditary system which was the foundation of The hereditary system which was the foundation of the court social structure from the highest to the the court social structure from the highest to the humblest was now firmly under the control of the king. humblest was now firmly under the control of the king.

Public offices, military posts, every position down to Public offices, military posts, every position down to the most menial of jobs was inherited or bought only the most menial of jobs was inherited or bought only with the king’s consent.[6]with the king’s consent.[6]

Louis XIV made himself the sole source of justice and Louis XIV made himself the sole source of justice and equity in the kingdom, the rescuer of his subjects’ equity in the kingdom, the rescuer of his subjects’ freedom. freedom.

By slow degrees he became an idol, so that “a look By slow degrees he became an idol, so that “a look from him singled a man out, a word with him was an from him singled a man out, a word with him was an honour, a favour bestowed covered the recipient with honour, a favour bestowed covered the recipient with glory.”[7]glory.”[7]

Social: Court LifeSocial: Court Life

By multiplying the positions around him, By multiplying the positions around him, Louis XIV excited constant jealousy Louis XIV excited constant jealousy between the different officeholders and between the different officeholders and the ranks of the aristocracy. the ranks of the aristocracy.

He also ensured that the energies that He also ensured that the energies that had once provoked civil wars would be had once provoked civil wars would be spent in quarreling about the right to a spent in quarreling about the right to a stool, or the order of entrance into the stool, or the order of entrance into the royal bedroom.royal bedroom.

Social: Court Life Social: Court Life •Wit and lively conversation became a necessity to fill the long, leisurely hours; for although the king worked long hours, most of the courtiers had nothing to do. •Indeed, it was at times strenuous to be a noble, “(to appear in) full dress, go to Flanders or further, dance, sit up, attend fêtes, eat, be merry and good company, go from place to place; appear neither to fear, nor to be inconvenienced by heat, wind, or dust; and all this precisely to the hour and day, without a minute’s grace.”[9] •In attending the king at court, the nobility surrendered not only its personal life but its political power as well.

SocialSocial To be allowed to watch the king or help him To be allowed to watch the king or help him

dress or undress was a great privilege.dress or undress was a great privilege. It was a high honor to sit on a stool in the It was a high honor to sit on a stool in the

king’s presence.king’s presence. It was a promotion and the greatest honor to It was a promotion and the greatest honor to

be able to sit on a chair in the king’s be able to sit on a chair in the king’s presence.presence.

It is compulsory to bend the knee to a table It is compulsory to bend the knee to a table laid out for the king’s meal and even to the laid out for the king’s meal and even to the royal chamber pot as it was carried out to be royal chamber pot as it was carried out to be emptied.emptied.

Social Characteristics Social Characteristics ContinuedContinued

He essentially He essentially dissolved the dissolved the nobility by making nobility by making them a court them a court nobility where they nobility where they became regarded became regarded as mere ornaments as mere ornaments – gave them no – gave them no power, but much power, but much gold and gold and entertainmententertainment

But real state power was given But real state power was given only to commoners who ruled only to commoners who ruled

in Louis’ name in Louis’ name Established Established

bureaucracybureaucracy Staffed by Staffed by

“commoners” – men of “commoners” – men of merit who held power merit who held power only through Louisonly through Louis– Educated merchants Educated merchants

and intellectualsand intellectuals– Close ties between Close ties between

the state and the the state and the new capitalist classnew capitalist class

Social: Court LifeSocial: Court Life Louis XIV looked on himself as the owner of Louis XIV looked on himself as the owner of

France, free to manage his kingdom as he chose, France, free to manage his kingdom as he chose, uncontrolled except by God Himself, Who would uncontrolled except by God Himself, Who would lead Louis to manage wisely. lead Louis to manage wisely.

Cardinal Mazarin, who died in 1661, supplied Cardinal Mazarin, who died in 1661, supplied Louis XIV with the best advice:” give the nobility Louis XIV with the best advice:” give the nobility privileges but no power, exclude the aristocracy privileges but no power, exclude the aristocracy from your counsels, choose your ministers from from your counsels, choose your ministers from among the bourgeoisie who will thus be in your among the bourgeoisie who will thus be in your debt and always be your own chief minister.”[5]debt and always be your own chief minister.”[5]

Pair-Share:Pair-Share: Turn to your partner and on the Left Turn to your partner and on the Left Side, explain what Marazin meant by this? Did Side, explain what Marazin meant by this? Did Louis XIV achieve this? Why or why not?Louis XIV achieve this? Why or why not?

Social: Treatment of the Protestants

• Revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685• Took away civil rights for Calvinists• Destroyed Huguenot churches/schools • Exiled prominent Huguenots

• Much of the economy went with them• Their wealth now supported enemies• Angered other Protestant nations

Social-Huguenots-Edict of Social-Huguenots-Edict of Fontainebleau (1685)Fontainebleau (1685)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edict_of_Fontainebleauhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edict_of_Fontainebleau

The The Edict of FontainebleauEdict of Fontainebleau (October (October 1685) was issued by Louis XIV of France. 1685) was issued by Louis XIV of France.

This legislation revoked the Edict of Nantes This legislation revoked the Edict of Nantes (1598) and ordered the destruction of (1598) and ordered the destruction of Huguenot churches, as well as the closing Huguenot churches, as well as the closing of Protestant schools. of Protestant schools.

As a result, As a result, about 200,000 Protestants about 200,000 Protestants left Franceleft France, seeking asylum in England, , seeking asylum in England, the United Provinces, and what is now the United Provinces, and what is now Germany. (Germany. (SpielvogelSpielvogel). ).

Social: Treatment of the Social: Treatment of the HuguenotsHuguenots

After 1661 Louis took a strict stance towards the Protestants and After 1661 Louis took a strict stance towards the Protestants and tried to limit the application of the Edict of Nantes. tried to limit the application of the Edict of Nantes.

After 1679 Protestants were barred from public office and the other After 1679 Protestants were barred from public office and the other liberal professions.liberal professions.

Police began to keep an eye on Protestant families. Soldiers were Police began to keep an eye on Protestant families. Soldiers were then quartered in Protestant residences.then quartered in Protestant residences.

Marillac applied cruel methods of “bringing Protestants to reason” Marillac applied cruel methods of “bringing Protestants to reason” which became known as the dragonnades.which became known as the dragonnades.

Louis was angered by this at first and blamed Marillac, but resumed Louis was angered by this at first and blamed Marillac, but resumed the dragonnades in 1684 at the instigation of Louvois.the dragonnades in 1684 at the instigation of Louvois.

Political cartoonPolitical cartoon Dragonnades:Dragonnades:

Social: Treatment of the Huguenots Social: Treatment of the Huguenots ContinuedContinued

On October 18, 1685 the Edict of Nantes was revoked in its On October 18, 1685 the Edict of Nantes was revoked in its entirety. entirety.

Protestant places of worship were demolished, Protestant schools Protestant places of worship were demolished, Protestant schools were closed, pastors who refused to convert were exiled, and were closed, pastors who refused to convert were exiled, and Protestant children were baptized by Catholic priests.Protestant children were baptized by Catholic priests.

Protestants were forced to choose between conversion to Protestants were forced to choose between conversion to Catholicism, persecution, or flight from the country – 400, 000 left, Catholicism, persecution, or flight from the country – 400, 000 left, and France lost some of its most valuable workers which and France lost some of its most valuable workers which weakened the economy.weakened the economy.– Lived by the motto “One king, one law, one faith.”Lived by the motto “One king, one law, one faith.”– Felt that the presence of a minority religion “undermined his Felt that the presence of a minority religion “undermined his

own political authority”own political authority” Several provinces were virtually depopulated. Several provinces were virtually depopulated. In October 1685, Louis enforced mandatory conversions for In October 1685, Louis enforced mandatory conversions for

Protestants to Catholicism Protestants to Catholicism – Thousands converted but many secretly remained faithful to Thousands converted but many secretly remained faithful to

Protestantism Protestantism

Social: HuguenotsSocial: Huguenots

Some say it was 400,000; others say Some say it was 400,000; others say it was 200,000 Huguenots who fled it was 200,000 Huguenots who fled France.France.

They settled in England, Holland, They settled in England, Holland, Prussia, and America.Prussia, and America.

Since they were middle class and the Since they were middle class and the best craftsmen and tradesmen, they best craftsmen and tradesmen, they brought much to their new countries.brought much to their new countries.

Social: Treatment of the Social: Treatment of the Huguenots ContinuedHuguenots Continued

The Edict of Fontainebleau was the replacement document for the The Edict of Fontainebleau was the replacement document for the revoked Edict of Nantesrevoked Edict of Nantes

The Edict of Fontainebleau allowed for the destruction of The Edict of Fontainebleau allowed for the destruction of Huguenot [French Protestants from the 16Huguenot [French Protestants from the 16thth and 17 and 17thth centuries] centuries] Churches and the closing of their schoolsChurches and the closing of their schools– An estimated 200,000 Huguenots fled from France and sought refuge An estimated 200,000 Huguenots fled from France and sought refuge

in England, the United Provinces, and the German Statesin England, the United Provinces, and the German States The exodus of the Huguenots increased a hatred of France in The exodus of the Huguenots increased a hatred of France in

Protestant CountriesProtestant Countries

The Edict of Nantes:The Edict of Nantes:

His famous words: His famous words: L’est c’est moi, L’est c’est moi, ring down the ring down the

centuries.centuries.

I am the state.I am the state.

Louis XIV’s LegacyLouis XIV’s Legacy By the time of Louis’ death in 1715 By the time of Louis’ death in 1715

France was a powerful nation-state. France was a powerful nation-state. The Catholic Church and the feudal The Catholic Church and the feudal

nobles had surrendered most of their nobles had surrendered most of their power to the monarchy. power to the monarchy.

France was seen as the military and France was seen as the military and cultural leader of Europe and the people cultural leader of Europe and the people of France had a strong nationalistic pride. of France had a strong nationalistic pride.

France also had developed a strong France also had developed a strong empire of colonies to use for resources empire of colonies to use for resources and to sell its finished goods.and to sell its finished goods.

Successes and Failures of Louis XIV Successes and Failures of Louis XIV

Louis greatly strengthened Louis greatly strengthened royal power. royal power.

The French army became The French army became the strongest in Europe.the strongest in Europe.

France became the France became the wealthiest state in Europe.wealthiest state in Europe.

French culture, manners, French culture, manners, and customs became the and customs became the European standard.European standard.

The arts flourished in The arts flourished in FranceFrance..

Louis engaged in costly wars Louis engaged in costly wars that had disastrous results. that had disastrous results.

Rival rulers joined forces to Rival rulers joined forces to check French ambitions. check French ambitions.

Louis persecuted the Louis persecuted the Huguenots, causing many to Huguenots, causing many to flee France. Their departure flee France. Their departure was a huge blow to the was a huge blow to the French economy. French economy.

SUCCESSES FAILURES

2

However, not all was perfect in However, not all was perfect in France…France…

One problem still cast a shadow over all the One problem still cast a shadow over all the accomplishments of Louis XIV’s absolute accomplishments of Louis XIV’s absolute monarchy: debt. monarchy: debt.

The costs of maintaining a standing army, The costs of maintaining a standing army, fighting wars, large pensions to nobles and fighting wars, large pensions to nobles and the construction costs of the Palace of the construction costs of the Palace of Versailles all but drained the French treasury. Versailles all but drained the French treasury.

In addition, increasing the tax burden on the In addition, increasing the tax burden on the poor, the largest segment of the population, poor, the largest segment of the population, would all lead to the toppling of the monarchy would all lead to the toppling of the monarchy in the 18th century.in the 18th century.

Pair-SharePair-Share: Read the Letter to Louis XIV and : Read the Letter to Louis XIV and give examples from your notes that support give examples from your notes that support this.this.

““Meanwhile your people…are dying of Meanwhile your people…are dying of hunger. The cultivation of the earth is hunger. The cultivation of the earth is almost abandoned; the towns and the almost abandoned; the towns and the countryside are depopulated; all the countryside are depopulated; all the industry languishes, and no longer industry languishes, and no longer supports the workers. All commerce is supports the workers. All commerce is destroyed. You have consumed half the destroyed. You have consumed half the wealth and vitality of the nation to make wealth and vitality of the nation to make and defend vain conquests abroad…All and defend vain conquests abroad…All France is now but a vast hospital, France is now but a vast hospital, desolate and without provisions.”desolate and without provisions.”

-Archbishop Francois de Fenelon, Educator -Archbishop Francois de Fenelon, Educator

But as time But as time passed--- he passed--- he

was seen as a was seen as a king who king who

ground France ground France into the dust, into the dust, only to give it only to give it great glory.great glory.

End of Louis XIV’s ReignEnd of Louis XIV’s Reign

Louis lives long Louis lives long enough to see his enough to see his second grandson second grandson made the King of made the King of Spain---Philip V.Spain---Philip V.

He also sees the He also sees the death of his elder death of his elder son in 1711, and son in 1711, and the death of his the death of his eldest grandson in eldest grandson in 1712.1712.

In 1715, Louis XIV In 1715, Louis XIV dies and is dies and is succeeded by his 5 succeeded by his 5 year old great-year old great-grandson Louis XV.grandson Louis XV.

This sounds This sounds familiar. Would familiar. Would history repeat itself? history repeat itself? We shall have to We shall have to wait and see…wait and see…

On your Left Side: What has On your Left Side: What has Louis realized by the end of his Louis realized by the end of his

reign?reign? ““Soon you will be King of a great kingdom…Soon you will be King of a great kingdom…

Try to remain at peace with your neighbors. I Try to remain at peace with your neighbors. I loved war too much. Do not follow me in that loved war too much. Do not follow me in that or in overspending… Lighten your people’s or in overspending… Lighten your people’s burden as soon as possible, and do what I burden as soon as possible, and do what I have had the misfortune not to do myself.”have had the misfortune not to do myself.”

~ Louis XIV ~ Louis XIV

A common fault of A common fault of absolutist rulersabsolutist rulers

““Do not follow the bad example Do not follow the bad example which I have set you; I have often which I have set you; I have often undertaken war too lightly and have undertaken war too lightly and have sustained it for vanity. Do not imitate sustained it for vanity. Do not imitate me, but be a peaceful prince, and me, but be a peaceful prince, and may you apply yourself principally to may you apply yourself principally to the alleviation of the burdens of your the alleviation of the burdens of your subjects.”subjects.”

-- Louis on his deathbed-- Louis on his deathbed