A royal passion
Subtitle: Louis XIV as patron of architecture
By: Robert W. Berger.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 1994
Place of publication: Cambridge; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 204
Subjects: Louis XIV, King of France, 1638-1715; Classicism in architecture -- France; Architecture, Baroque -- France; Architecture -- France; Architects and patrons -- France -- History -- 17th century
Description: A Royal Passion is the first in-depth study of the Sun King as a patron of architecture. Surveying such monuments as the Louvre, Versailles, the Invalides, and other buildings that are closely identified with Louis XIV, Robert Berger demonstrates why these buildings, gardens, urban spaces, and their decorations were so important to him.

Serving as functional necessities, objects of aesthetic delight, and as political statements, his architectural enterprises collectively underscored his absolutist authority. Moreover, by adopting the guise of "builder-prince," Louis XIV reasserted his kinship with the Roman emperors, whose grandeur he sought both to emulate and surpass.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 196-200) and index.