Bust of Louis XIV

The Bust of Louis XIV is a breathtaking marble sculpture created by the esteemed Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1665. He sculpted this masterpiece during a visit to Paris, and today it is proudly exhibited at the Palace of Versailles in the Salon de Diane, located within the King's Grand Apartment.

Bernini's trip to Paris was part of a diplomatic mission between the Papacy and France. Initially, he was commissioned to design plans for the Louvre Palace. However, the young King Louis XIV had a different request: a portrait bust. Although Bernini's architectural designs for the Louvre were ultimately rejected due to court disagreements, he successfully completed the bust to widespread acclaim.

The creation process of the bust was meticulously documented by French diarist Paul Fréart de Chantelou. Over slightly more than three months, Bernini worked closely with the king to capture not just his physical likeness but also his character. The result was a magnificent blend of grandeur and elegance, depicting Louis XIV as both regal and heroic.

The bust was met with widespread praise and quickly became a sensation. Multiple reproductions were made shortly after its unveiling, despite some criticism from a few French detractors. Copies and casts of the bust have been displayed in various locations around the world, further cementing its status as an iconic piece of art.

Bernini's Bust of Louis XIV stands as a testament to his unrivaled skill in portraiture. It masterfully combines realism with idealization, capturing the essence of the Sun King in a manner that continues to captivate viewers to this day.