Louis XIV

"versailles is the physical representation of the Sun King's reign"

a) Size and Oppulence

• 700 rooms + several smaller palaces, canals, and gardens
• garden= 575 metres long
• stables held 2000 horses
• use of best builders, architects, painters, materials etc
• no natural water source at Versialles- water for fountains is pumped 4 miles underground through specially laid pipes

b) layout

• use of straight line corridors, rooms, gardens
• all plants in pots, everything neatly trimmed
• fountains- as L walked by staff would turn them on

c) use of classical images: ancient + mythological Gods

• pictures of Apollo, the Sun God- gave light + glory, everything revolves around the sun
• links between great men + Gods- L wanted to portray the idea he was God-like

d) use of military + links to great men in history

• the Hall of Battles- dedicated to L's military victories
• staue of L on horse back in full military dress