Louis XIV: Sun King and Propagandist

About this episode

The episode explores how Louis XIV crafted his image as the Sun King through various forms of art and public performance.

How did Louis XIV use his day-to-day life, especially his marriage, to help create the mythology of the Sun King as semi-divine, radiant and unrivalled? In 17th-century France, monarchy was performed, witnessed, and widely circulated. Using portraits, medals, sculptures and official pamphlets, Louis XIV meticulously constructed his own image, appearing as Apollo, Jupiter, Hercules, Neptune, a Roman emperor, and even as the sun itself. Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and Dr. Abby Zanger explore the Sun King's carefully staged world. More: Marie Antoinette Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Montaigne: Philosopher of the French Renaissance Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds. Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcast Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe .   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Professor Suzannah Lipscomb

Guest: Dr. Abby Zanger

Topics covered

• Louis XIV
• Sun King
• French monarchy
• propaganda
• 17th century
• art and imagery
• historical analysis

Keywords

• Louis XIV
• Sun King
• propaganda
• 17th century France
• monarchy
• art
• historical imagery

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: History Hit

Books & works: Marie Antoinette, Montaigne: Philosopher of the French Renaissance

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