Absolutism And King Louis XIV

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I define absolutism as total control held over government subjects, local and worldwide procedures, and additional matters. I learned that soon after the passing of Louis XIII, the teenage Louis XIV approached French Parliament and declared complete authority and supremacy for himself. He was coached by Cardinal Mazarin and soon exemplified the principles of absolutism. Then I discovered that Louis XIV, a decade or so later, decided to transform a small hunting lodge in the small city of Versailles into one of the most marvelous palaces in the history of the world. It blew me away to find out that Louis XIV spent about two billion dollars on a new palace, even though the Saint-Germain Palace already existed. I think that the building of Versailles …show more content…
I strongly believe The Palace of Versailles aided King Louis XIV in fulfilling both of those goals. In 1682 the Palace of Versailles became the new permanent home of the royal court, the essential symbol of Louis XIV’s power and influence in Europe. Due to the fact that Louis XIV feared a rebellion encouraged by nobles might shake France as it once did during his childhood, he decided to keep close watch on the mischief-makers. At that time, nobles resided in various locations and Louis wanted to ensure that they were all located together in one place so that it would be simple for him to oversee them. Louis XIV mandated the nobles to relocate to the Palace, seldom permitting them to visit their previous hometowns. He had espionage agents all over the place, and closely monitored the nobles’ actions. I learned how under the ruler’s vigilant observance, the nobility could not conspire against his command; the noble lords were kept in their place in the army or at court, ready and willing to accommodate and please the …show more content…
Furthermore, some of the art in Versailles was exhibited as a chronicle and provided an elaborated description of the King’s journeys. The ceilings had paintings that gave an account of the life and accomplishments of the King. The core elements of all paintings were triumph, grandeur, prominence, and harmony. One of the most interesting facts that I discovered was how at the beginning of his rule, before considering more bureaucratic metaphors, Louis XIV selected the sun as his own insignia. The palace of Versailles is full of symbols and metaphorical references to the sun god incorporated with royal portrayals and insignia. I strongly feel that the ornamentation of the palace glamorized Louis XIV as the Sun
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