The famous portrait of Louis XIV painted by Hyacinthe Rigaud in 1701 quickly became the archetypal French royal portrait, highlighting the power, richness and presence of the monarch. Here the king is proudly posing, wearing the coronation coat covered with fleur-de-lys, the necklace of the Holy Spirit order and the French kings coronation’s sword. At his side, other symbols of the monarchy are present, such as the upside down scepter of Henri IV, the French crown and the hand of justice. About the decor, the large drapery gives a theatrical aspect while evoking power by its crimson color. As for the column, it traditionally symbolizes strength.
This image of the king was so successful that sovereigns were represented in the same way until the end of Charles X’s reign in 1830. And some courtiers have also imitated this pose.