This era included the 17th and early 18th
century and during this time, art work and architecture became
much more exaggerated and exuberant. Classical antiquity was
the backbone of this artistic movement, along with a certain
amount of rationalism. Some of the most prominent artists
of the time included landscape painters Claude Lorrain and
Nicolas Poussin and
artists such as Simon Vouet, Philippe de Champaigne, George
de la Tour, and the Le Nain brothers. In architecture, it
was François Mansart who excelled.
This movement reached its peak during the reign of Louis XIV,
also known as the Sun King. This astute monarch realized the
political power that lay in art and went about creating a
very impressive public image. Thus, France’s political
and artistic influence across Europe during this time was
very pronounced. An example of the Sun King’s contribution
toward his public image can be seen in the magnificent Palace
of Versailles.
This absolute monarch founded many art institutions and academies,
where art could flourish, such as the Gobelins tapestry factory
and The French Academy.
