December 18

Staging

The 17th century in France was a century of theater, with famous authors. Let's mention the dramatists Corneille and Racine and, of course, the king of comedy: Jean-Baptiste Poquelin under the alias of Molière. His sharp view on human beings, his style, sometimes caustic, always humorous and his undeniable talent have made him successful.

Painting: "Molière" by Pierre Mignard (1665)

December 17

Correspondence

Madame de Sévigné is a correspondent who lived at the Sun King's court. Thanks to the "Lettres" (Letters) she wrote between 1671 and 1696 - year of her death - we learn a lot about how was the life at court and about contemporary small and big events. 

Painting: “Marquise de Sévigné” by Claude Lefèbvre (circa 1665)

December 16

Death of a queen

Due to a poorly treated abscess which turned into sepsis, queen Marie-Thérèse of Austria died in July 30th 1683 at Versailles. She was 45 years old.

She was unloved and the king cheated on her time and again. Louis XIV would have said when she died: "C'est le premier chagrin qu'elle m'ait causé" (This is the first sorrow she caused me).

December 15

Louis d'or au buste juvénile laurée

This type of louis named "au buste juvénile laurée" (juvenile bust with a laurel wreath) has been created by the engraver Warin. It has been struck for the first time in 1658. In that year, the Sun King is 20 years old.

On the obverse, a bust of young Louis XIV, with long hair, crowned by a laurel wreath. On the reverse, a cross drawn with letter L and, at the core, the mint letter. Here the letter A for Paris mint.

December 14

Coronation

Church of Notre-Dame de Reims, June 7th 1654

"The prelate (Bishop of Soissons) placed the Charlemagne's crown on the king's head (...). The crown was heavy and the officiant told Louis XIV to press it on his head, and he (the king) answered: «It fits well, and with God's help, it will never come off it.»" Extract of "The coronation of Louis XIV" by Hervé Pinoteau.

Painting : Louis XIV by Juste d'Egmont.

December 13

A Royal Academy

The "Académie des inscriptions et médailles" is founded in 1663 by the prime minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert. The academy is responsible of the mottos, French or Latine, engraved on monuments, medals and coins. In 1701, it becomes the "Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres" and its mandate is expanded.

December 12

Versailles

Sober hunting lodge under the reign of Louis XIII, Versailles became a somptuous castle under the reign of Louis XIV after colossal works started in 1661. In 1682, the king and his court left the Louvres behind and settled in the castle of Versailles. In that year, the Sun King is 44 years old.

Illustration : "A Stag Hunt at Versailles", attributed to Jean-Baptiste Martin.

December 11

Phrase

The liard de France was worth 3 deniers, or 1/80th livre tournois (decimal system has been adopted much later, in 1795). Let's say it was a small weight: less than 4 grams of copper. That's why the phrase "ne pas avoir un liard" (literally: not owning any liard) was commonly used in the 17th century when you were broke.

December 10

Saint-Cyr

At the behest of Madame de Maintenon whom he (discreetly) married in 1683, Louis XIV has founded the "Maison Royale de Saint-Louis" in 1686. This residential school for young and poor girls originated from nobility has been settled in Saint-Cyr. Its residents were known as the "Demoiselles de Saint-Cyr". The institution didn't make it through the French Revolution but its buildings host now the prestigious military academy of Saint-Cyr.

December 9

Louis d'or aux insignes

Coin shown here today is named "Louis d'or aux insignes". This one has been struck in 1704 in Paris. In that year, the Sun King is 66 years old.

Two varieties of this type of coin are known. On one, Louis XIV wears a long hair wig, on the other one, as here, he wears a short wig. On the reverse, you may read "IMP. CHRS. REGN. VINC.": "The Christ reigns, conquers and commands".

December 8

Baroque music

Jean-Baptiste Lully was born in 1632 in Florence (Italy)  and passed away in 1687 in Paris.  Neat courtier and talented composer, he became superintendent of the royal music and music master of the royal family in 1661. Here the "Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs", composed for Molière's play "Le bourgeois gentilhomme".

December 7

Surgical strike

Early 1686, Louis XIV does not feel so good. Indeed, an unfortunate and painful anal fistula prevents the king from horse riding and he has to travel by sedan-chair. Fortunately, Charles-Francois Félix de Tassy, his surgeon, invents a surgical device that helps him to cure the king one year later. Following this happy ending, there are big celebrations throughout the kingdom.

December 6

Impatience

"I have almost waited."

The quote is often credited to Louis XIV, waiting for a coach. Nevertheless, that's more an assumption than a fact.

However, in her "Memories", the Duchess of Orléans relates that he didn't tolerate delays.

December 4

Impertinence

If the Sun King was an art lover and if he made them glowing during his reign, some artists were less estimated than others.

Due to the delightful fabulist Jean de la Fontaine's literary impertinence and his strong friendship with the abhorred Fouquet, the king didn't valued him.

Here, the fabulist's portrait by Henri Millot (1699).

December 3rd

Rarity

The Lis d'or has been only struck in 1656 and 1657. It's gold, it's shiny, and it's rare. This new coin, hard to counterfeit, has been issued to fight the use of forged Louis d'or. Unfortunately, the population did not embrace it and the manufacturing stopped in two years. The Lis d'or was definitely out of circulation in 1679.

December 2nd

Motto

Cardinal Richelieu, prime minister of late Louis XIII, valued the latin expression "Ultima ratio regum" a lot. It literally means "The final argument of kings". When all diplomatic actions are depleted, you may use the force. Louis XIV appropriated it and engraved it on his cannons.

December 1st

Cardinal Mazarin

When Louis XIII dies, the young Louis XIV is still a child. His mother, Anne of Austria, is the Regent. She is supported by Cardinal Mazarin who is Prime Minister. It's a shady period and the Fronde, led by the "Grand Condé", is brewing. Here, Mazarin's portrait by Mathieu Le Nain.

November 30

Louis d'or "à la mèche longue"

This louis d'or has been struck in 1652 and the young king depicted on it is 14 years old. The coin design has been created by the engraver Jean Varin. On the obverse, you may read "LVD. XIIII. D. G. FR. ET. NAV. REX.", which means "Louis XIIII, by the grace of God, king of France and Navarre".

November 29

Historical landmarks

Louis XIV is born in 1638 and is crowned king of France in 1654, at 16 years old. In 1660, he marries Marie-Thérèse of Austria,  Infanta of Spain. She becomes then queen of France and Navarre.