Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud - 1701 - 2.77 x 1.94 m Musée du Louvre Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud - 1701 - 2.77 x 1.94 m Musée du Louvre

Louis XIV

oil on canvas • 2.77 x 1.94 m
  • Hyacinthe Rigaud - July 18, 1659 - December 29, 1743 Hyacinthe Rigaud 1701

Louis XIV's court adored Hyacinthe Rigaud, who helped to formulate what a state portrait should be. While Rigaud made a credible likeness of the king, his purpose was not to express Louis' character but to glorify the monarchy. His original Portrait of Louis XIV of 1701, now in the Louvre, was so popular that Rigaud had many copies made, both in full and half-length formats, often with the help of assistants.