Versailles, Seat of European Power

This room displays paintings showing that Louis XIV was a complete ruler not only politically but religiously and diplomatically as well. On the wall facing the room hangs an allegorical painting depicting the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Louis XIV's grandfather, Henry IV, had issued the Edict of Nantes to recognize Protestantism and bring an end to a long and bloody religious war. But once Louis XIV held absolute power, he wanted one king, one law, and one religion — so he revoked his grandfather's edict and outlawed Protestantism. This painting was created to celebrate that religious triumph, the unification of the nation under Catholicism: on the right, angels and a goddess represent the triumphant Catholic Church, while on the left, Protestantism is shown falling into darkness. In reality, France lost a great many talented Protestants as a result of the revocation.

On the left wall is another allegorical painting celebrating the glory of Louis XIV. As in the allegory of Anne of Austria's regency seen earlier, a god symbolizing Louis XIV occupies the center, surrounded by angels and goddesses crowning him with laurel and sounding trumpets of victory. Beside it hang paintings depicting ambassadors from across Europe arriving in France, then the center of the continent.

On the opposite wall hangs a portrait of the Marquis de Dangeau, who kept a diary for more than thirty years. Thanks to the meticulous records of this close confidant of Louis XIV, we still know today the vivid behind-the-scenes details of life at Versailles — who the king dined with, who received which honor, and more.