Louis XIV's Architect: Louis Le Vau, France's Most Important Builder

This book is a study of royal absolutism in modern European history, focusing on the concept of personal glory and the embodiment of France as a new superpower. It also explores the political ideas expressed in architecture to establish Versailles as the center of French world power and royal prestige. The book is a personal story of Louis Le Vau, a self-taught architect who contributed to the architectural glories of Paris, including the Louvre, Vincennes, Versailles, and the College of the Four Nations. Despite interference from great magnates and constant mind-changing by the King, Le Vau achieved his goals. The book provides a detailed account of the social, cultural, economic, and political backdrop of the period, including court intrigue, scandal, corruption, luxury, and indulgence, as well as the rise of a rich bourgeoisie.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

This is a comprehensive study of royal absolutism in modern European history, exploring the concept of personal glory and the embodiment of France as a new superpower. It delves into the political ideas expressed in architecture through the construction of Versailles as the center of French world power and royal prestige. Additionally, the book offers a personal narrative, showcasing the social, cultural, and economic history of the period through the life and work of Louis Le Vau, a self-taught architect who played a significant role in the architectural glories of Paris, including the Louvre, Vincennes, Versailles, and the College of the Four Nations. Despite facing interference from influential figures such as Mazarin and Colbert and constant changes in the King's vision, Le Vau achieved remarkable feats. He served as Louis XIV's First Architect from 1654 until his death and disgrace in 1670. The social, cultural, economic, and political backdrop of the time is characterized by court intrigue, scandal, corruption, luxury, indulgence, and the rise of a rich bourgeoisie. However, the central focus of the story revolves around Louis XIV and his personal ambition, as well as the journey of a stonecutter's son who became an instrument of the Sun King. The study excels in providing detailed insights into the technical aspects of architectural history, reminiscent of Pevsner's renowned Buildings of England series.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399054195