Louis XIV - The King Who Loved Art & Pleasure

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104D

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History

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Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by ProfessorParrotMaster1027

Louis XIV: The “Sun King” Who Lived for Art and Pleasure This BBC documentary provides a light-hearted look at King Louis XIV of France, who ruled from 1643 to 1715. He was an absolute monarch at a time when France was the most powerful nation in Europe. Louis was enthusiastic about ballet, founding the Royal Academy of Dance. 1. Louis inherited a hunting lodge from his father at Versailles, outside of Paris. How did he transform this little retreat to make it a royal power base? Through architectural magnificence, court rites, political centralization, cultural influence, and symbolic meaning, Louis XIV turned Versailles from a hunting lodge into a royal power base, solidifying his absolute rule and bolstering France's supremacy. 2. On the ceilings at Versailles are some of the finest of baroque paintings anywhere. What message did they convey about the king? The message of royal supremacy and divine right was sent by the elaborate baroque paintings on the ceilings of Versailles. Louis XIV was portrayed in these opulent paintings as a strong, divinely appointed king, underscoring his absolute authority and the indisputable rightfulness of his reign. Reiterating his association with divine attributes and solidifying his image as the "Sun King" radiating power and glory, the imagery frequently shows the king in heroic or mythological scenes.
3. The grand gardens at Versailles were built on what had once been a malarial swampland by 30,000 laborers. Describe what these gardens looked like. Constructed by 30,000 laborers on formerly undeveloped swampland, the magnificent gardens at Versailles showcased well-planned pathways, elaborate flower beds, sculpted fountains, and symmetrical arrangements. The landscape represented the height of landscape architecture, showcasing a harmonious fusion of human craftsmanship and natural beauty. 4. How did Louis bring water to Versailles from the River Seine? Louis XIV brought water to Versailles from the River Seine through aqueducts and canals, notably the Grand Canal designed by André Le Notre. 5. The business of government was moved entirely from Paris to Versailles. How did this force the aristocrats of Louis’ court to live? Louis XIV's shift of the government to Versailles compelled court aristocrats to live there, reinforcing royal control and curtailing their influence outside the palace. 6. What was the role of the gentlemen of the bedchamber? The bedchamber gentlemen were responsible for taking care of the monarch's personal hygiene, clothing, and access control to the royal chamber. 7. Louis suffered from hereditary baldness. How did the royal hairdresser help Louis to overcome this problem? What was the impact on fashion? The royal hairdresser made wigs to cover Louis XIV's inherited baldness. Exquisite wigs gained popularity, starting a movement called the "Fontange." Because of the king's use of wigs, wigs have become a status and style symbol in Europe. 8. Why was it important for aristocrats at the court to change their shirt 3-4 times a day? Aristocrats at the court had to change their shirts three or four times a day for hygienic reasons as well as fashion. With so few people taking regular baths in those days, it was socially expected of them to always look clean and fresh, a reflection of their noble status and devotion to hygiene. 9. What did Saint-Simon say was the only way for a courtier to please Louis? According to Saint-Simon, a courtier could only win Louis XIV over by being completely obedient and docile, matching the king's demand for steadfast allegiance and compliance.
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