Equestrian statue of King Louis XIV after François Gigardon

Striking and elegant bronze sculpture with a medal patina,
representing King Louis XIV as a Roman emperor on horseback and in walking horse gait. His costume adorned with many neoclassical motifs, hand outstretched in a gesture of command. The result is an imposing royal portrait of power and absolute authority that pays homage to one of the most important sovereigns in French history.
The archetype of absolutism in royalty, the 72-year reign of Louis XIV, the longest in European history, not only enhanced the power of the monarchy, but catapulted France to become the most powerful nation in Europe. The period during which he served as King of France became known as “The Age of Louis XIV.”

This is a reproduction of the celebrated portrait of the Sun King by François Girardon (1628-1715), formerly erected in the Place Vendôme, but regrettably destroyed less than a century later during the French Revolution in 1792.

Girardon was inspired by the ancient Roman marble of Marcus Aurelius, now in the Musei Capitoline (Rome).

French work in the style of François Girardon, executed around 1860.