Hyacinthe Rigaud’s painting of King Louis XIV gives the viewer a chance to see what wealth looked like back in eighteenth century France. The eyes wander to Louis XIV himself, who becomes the focal point of the painting. Because he is positioned in the middle of the image, it creates a balance. The background shows a big column on the left side, as well as reddish orange drapes. There is also a chair with the same color fabric as his clothing. The foreground of the painting consists of a rug with what looks like vines and leaves.
To the left of Louis XIV, the viewer sees a footstool that also has the same fabric as his clothing. On the footstool lies a gold crown. The blue colors of his clothing suggest he was rather wealthy because buying dark dye in those times was extremely expensive. The same goes for his long, black wig, which must have cost more than the blue dye. Inside of his coat, there is a sword that looks like it has a gold cover.
Other wealthy aspects of what he is wearing in the picture are the tights and the shoes. The viewer may notice Louis XIV’s face in this painting. It is not exactly a smile, but it is not a frown either. The viewer might consider different possibilities of things he might have been thinking when this was being done. He could be looking serious, or he could also be looking slightly sad because of his drooping eyes. However the viewer perceives this painting, Rigaud certainly explores the different aspects that made Louis XIV a wealthy king.
nice legs.
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