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