Paintings
Portrait of Louis XIV
Hyacinthe Rigaud
1701
Rigaud portrays the 63-year-old Sun King in full majesty, wearing the ermine-lined coronation robes embroidered with fleurs-de-lis. He displays his shapely legs in white stockings and red-heeled shoes, while the crown, sceptre and sword of Charlemagne sit nearby. The portrait is the ultimate image of absolute monarchy, designed to project power and permanence.
Historical Context
Louis XIV originally commissioned it as a gift for his grandson Philip V of Spain, but he liked it so much that he kept it at Versailles. It was copied many times and sent to courts across Europe, defining how kings were portrayed for a century. The pose was imitated by later rulers including Louis XV and Napoleon.
Provenance
Kept in the royal collection at Versailles, transferred to the Louvre during the Revolutionary period.
Details
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Dimensions
- 277 × 194 cm
- Department
- Paintings
- Period / Era
- Baroque & Rococo
- Origin
- France
- Location in museum
- Sully & Richelieu Wings, Upper Floors — French paintings galleries
About the Artist
Hyacinthe Rigaud
Hyacinthe Rigaud (1659–1743) was the leading court portraitist of Louis XIV and Louis XV. Born in Perpignan, he settled in Paris and built a large workshop, mastering the depiction of fabric, lace and social status.