September 5th, 1638 Louis XIV was born.
Have book “Memoirs of Louis XIV and His Court and of the Regency” by the Duke of Saint-Simon, in two volumes, published in 1910. This book is perhaps the foremost authority on court life for Louis XIV. The Duke of Saint-Simon was actually Louis XIV’s god-child, baptized in Versailles. It is a good read about life at Versailles, and of the times.
Louis XIV wanted to promote culture and learning in France. One thing that Louis XIV sponsored and implemented was the French Academy of Sciences. They would publish important discoveries found every year. I have a copy of one year. While the cover is not in good shape, the pages are. It is what happened in French sciences, and the world, for the year 1702. It was published in 1704. This was when Louis XIV was still King!
Antoine Coypel was the artist and Sumanneua L’ Aine’ was the engraver for this frontispiece illustration in the book. It would be of Minerva (Goddess of Wisdom) and Louis XIV.
This first illustration is the night sky, showing some of the constellations. A close-up shows the path of several ecliptica paths of sun or earth(?) Not sure if for eclipses or not.
This was a big event-the comet of 1702. It was seen from April 20 to May 5, in the constellation Ophiuchus (man holding a snake). Every day the position was marked where the comet was seen.
Louis XIV had to have a palace (home) that mirrored the fantastic culture and sciences that he was promoting. Thus, the additions at Versailles. That can be seen in the book “Your Visit to Versailles” by Simone Hoog, 1999.
The Sun King showed everyone that the world did indeed revolve around him, by showcasing a building that was highlighted with the Hall of Mirrors, flanked at either end with the Salons of War and Peace. The ceilings are painted with highlights of events from his reign. The Gardens are seen through the entire length of the Hall. Versailles became the capital of France, and home to Louis XIV’s court.
I cannot believe it has been 24 years since we visited Versailles.
Louis the XIV had a spectacular life, and he ruled for 72 years. His reign is often referred to as “Le Grand Siècle” (the Great Century). He frequently stated “L’état, c’est moi” – “I am the State.” He had absolute power and authority.
Louis XIV spared no expence on Versaille. a saying goes:
French Court. “So wait. You want to spend how much money on the Palace of Versailles?”
Louis XIV “Yes!”
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