Aristocratic Style

Louis XIV & Versailles

Age of AbsolutismThe theory of absolutism held that a

king enjoyed absolute power by divine right.

Louis XIV of France“L’etat, c’est moi!”Sun KingRuled for 72 years

Age of Absolutism

King controlled the

GovernmentMilitaryChurchEconomyArts

Louis XIV

Arts Under Louis XIV

Louis XIV took the initiative to develop art and culture.

1635 – French Royal Academy of Language and Literature(Actually under his dad Louis XIII)

1648 – Academy of Painting and Sculpture1661 – Academy of Dance1666 – Academy of Science1669 – Academy of Music1671 – Academy of Architecture

Baroque Architecture in France

The Palace of VersaillesGrandiose symbolismBaroque extremes matched with

Classical simplicityEnormous gardens

Versailles

Located 20 miles southwest of ParisChateau built for King Louis XIII (r.

1610-1643) as a hunting retreatLouis XIV hated Paris and moved out

of the Louvre to VersaillesTook 36,000 workers 20 years to

convert it to the palace it is today

Versailles

Versailles

Versailles: Absolutism and Architecture

All major avenues radiate from and to the palace courtyard

The King’s bedchamber is the actual center point highlighting the King’s centrality

Gardens reflect the King’s mastery over the natural world

Exterior is classical, linear and geometric emphasizing order and stability

Interior of Versailles

Hall of Mirrors

Hall of Mirrors uses natural light, candle light, and mirrors to create awesome space.

Audience hall that highlights Louis XIV’s enormous wealth and power

Ceiling frescoes depict his successes in war.

Furniture was amazing, gold and silver chairs, trees with jewels hanging from them

Chapel at Versailles

Promotes the image of Louis XIV as pious

Demonstrates his connection to God and his position as God’s chosen one

Mass held at 12:30 p.m. each dayThe people worshipped the King

while the King worshipped God

The King’s Bedroom