Louis XIV and Versailles
Versailles’s design includes multiple styles that reflect Louis XIV’s idea of
his reign and his emphasis on grandeur.
The Beginning of Louis XIV’s Reign
• Became King of France at the age of 5 (1643)
• Began ruling at the age of 16 (1654)
Events in Louis XIV’s Childhood That Affected His Views
• Neglected by mother (Anne of Austria)
• Parliament of Paris revolts (Fronde 1648-1653)
• Had to flee Paris at 10 years of age
One Man Show
• Cardinal Mazarin dies (1661)• Louis did not choose another
cardinal and decided to govern on his own
• He enlisted the help of ministers, secretaries, and officers only when he needed it
Grand Thoughts
• Absolutism• Apollo• Versailles (1669 and 1682)• Schedule
Aspects of Personality
• Loved being praised• Enjoyed making people jealous• Hand picked ladies the day before to
go with him to the Trianon the next day
• Encouraged courtiers to spend money on their appearance
• Hired spies
Versailles (New 1669 and Old1624)
Versailles
Salon of Diana
Salon of Apollo
King’s Council Chambers p. 89
Queen’s Bedchamber p. 104
Hall of Mirrors
Works Cited
• http://www.xtimeline.com/evt/view.aspx?id=39595
• http://www.louis-xiv.de• http://balma-socialstudies.com/Content/
Textbook%20World%20History/21-2.pdf• http://www.thenagain.info/webchron/
westeurope/fronde.html• http://en.chateauversailles.fr• http://www.castles.org/castles/Europe/
Western_Europe/France/france6.htm