The pioneering image-maker of the Western world was Emperor August, who founded the first empire covering parts of three continents and ruled for more than forty years ( 27 BC-14 AD). The second place is held by the French Sun King Louis XIV (1638-1715), who ruled an expanding Kingdom for 72 years.
The Versailles complex creates a superb image and myth. Castle, gardens, park, works of art and splendid ornaments and decorations. However, the cultural activities inside the building were decisive to his image-making.
Although he was a master of war (often) and peace (rarely), he was dedicated to furnishings, sculpture, dance, music, painting, theatre, poetry, tapestries, busts, bas-reliefs and many other artworks.
Contrary to the images of Emperor August, who apparently never grew old, as one sees in his statues throughout the empire, the Sun King allowed himself to be depicted as growing old, as the paintings by Hyacinte Rigaud (1701) and by Antoine Benoist (1705) clearly show.
The 1665 Bernini bust, showing a heroic bust of a young sovereign, is not only a masterpiece and an image of majesty but also fits into the visualisation of the monarch, who is depicted at the age of fifteen, costumed as ‘Le Roi Soleil´.
The acceptance of ageing and physical decline points to a self-confident King, a firm believer and, if necessary, scrupulous defender of the Catholic faith. The beauty of Versailles and the numerous works of art define not only the person Louis XIV, but also centuries of French culture, history and taste.
They are historical monuments of art and myth.
(Source:www.chateauversailles.fr).