Le Grande Cicle - French History - 17th Century
France
Le Grande Cicle | Absolute Monarchy |
Louis XIV - The Sun King | Royal Commissions for Artists, Painters, Poets, Writers,
Architects and Musicians | 17th Century France
During the 17th century the French Monarchy
prospered and enjoyed great power. The feudal monarchy was
turned into an absolute monarchy. Extravagance and lavish
expenses particularly characterized the reign of Louis XIV,
also known as the Sun King. He made sure to hold on to power
by keeping the local princes and lords occupied at elaborate
court events and affairs, too busy to plot against him. Such
extravagance brought many musicians, poets, writes and architects
to France, commissioned by the royal court, however these
expenses, as well as those generated by the King’s wars,
left France financially weak by the end of his reign.
