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The Sun King: Louis XIV and the New World
Ruling in splendor, the Sun King, Louis XIV of France, created the most powerful nation in 17th-century Europe. For three decades, he was also monarch of vast areas of North America. This man, his court, his impact on French and European society and culture, and his ties to the New World are the subject of this exhibit. His presence and power are traced through photographs, posters, and texts.
Exhibit
This 20-panel exhibit, based on a major exhibition organized by the Louisiana State Museum, presents King Louis XIV, the absolute monarch who controlled all forms of French manners and culture, including the production of arts and crafts and performance of drama and music.
Panel topics include:
- Childhood
- Richelieu
- Louis as adolescent
- His secretaries
- the Glory of war
- Religious controversy
- Sun Symbol
- Versailles
- Society and etiquette
- Arts and crafts
- Poetry, music and theatre
- Science
- Explorations
- Wife and mistresses
Exhibit format
The exhibit has 20 panels with 42 images displayed behind plexiglas. Freestanding in a commercial aluminum display system, consists of ten vertical units, all 34” wide x 36” high, that clip onto aluminum poles to stand 72” high.
Shipping weight (1 wooden crate, 1 fiber case): 305 lbs.
Floor space required: 8’ x 14’
Supplemental materials
- A brochure featuring essay on Louis’s political and cultural theories. 50 copies free with exhibit.
- 5 copies of humanities program poster, free with exhibit.
- Major exhibit catalog. 2 copy free with exhibit.
Optional materials (available on request)
- Slide-Tape Overview
- "Life at court, ties to the New World." 17 min., free with exhibit.