The style of Louis the XIV is without any doubt
the most distinguished and sumptuous for its decorative richness
and impeccable taste. The wealth in the use of materials like
gold, marble , crystal and gilded hand chiseled bronze is unparalleled.
Ornament is abundant, but never overcharged. The quality of
craftsmanship during this period is considered to be the highest
ever in the history of French decorative arts.
The most common decorative elements in this period are: The
sun, shells , masks with rays (symbol of the sun king) along
with the two “L” crossing each other as well as
the use of military symbols like helmets. Plants are also
used in the designs, specially laurel and acanthus leaves.
Garlands of flowers are also frequent. The use of symmetry
and straight lines will later become a great contrast between
the style of Louis the XIV and the later Regency and Louis
the XV periods.
During the long and prosperous period of Louis the XIV all
artistic academies where founded. The creative production
and its influence all over Europe cannot be questioned, this
is the reason why the reign of Louis the XIV is called the
Grand Siècle.
