Portrait of Louis XIV in Coronation Robes
Hyacinthe Rigaud · Public domain
This portrait by Hyacinthe Rigaud, painted in 1701, has become the most recognisable image of Louis XIV, depicted in full royal dress adorned with the fleur-de-lis coronation mantle. Originally commissioned to satisfy the wish of Philip V of Spain, the king's grandson, to own a portrait of his grandfather, the work pleased Louis XIV so much that he kept it at Versailles. This image durably codified the representation of French absolute monarchy and remains on display today at the Louvre.