1st September 1715 : the longest reign in France's history comes to an end...Although not as exceptional as those of the great Roman families, the collection of antiques left by Louis XIV remains signicant, and given the difficulties he overcame to enrich it, is fairly remarkable.

1st September 1715 : the longest reign in France's history comes to an end...Although not as exceptional as those of the great Roman families, the collection of antiques left by Louis XIV remains signicant, and given the difficulties he overcame to enrich it, is fairly remarkable.

1687 : A collection of antiquities was installed on the Latona Fountain. Of the 18 marble sculptures decorating the different tiers of the centrepiece, 15 were copies of antique original...

1687 : A collection of antiquities was installed on the Latona Fountain. Of the 18 marble sculptures decorating the different tiers of the centrepiece, 15 were copies of antique original...

1674 : Louis XIV commissioned a large set of sculptures for the park of the Palace of Versailles. These sculptures, intended for the Water Parterre were « designed to be an extensive commentary on the effects of the Sun God on the order of the world and on the arts, based on the unity of man and nature ».

1674 : Louis XIV commissioned a large set of sculptures for the park of the Palace of Versailles. These sculptures, intended for the Water Parterre were « designed to be an extensive commentary on the effects of the Sun God on the order of the world and on the arts, based on the unity of man and nature ».

1684 . The court had been in Versailles for 2 years, and Louvois had succeeded Colbert. The royal collection was given a new impetus with the regrouping of the collections previously in the Tuileries palace and with some ambitious planned purchases.

The Salons of Versailles were redecorated to display the Glory of the King!

1684 . The court had been in Versailles for 2 years, and Louvois had succeeded Colbert. The royal collection was given a new impetus with the regrouping of the collections previously in the Tuileries palace and with some ambitious planned purchases.

The Salons of Versailles were redecorated to display the Glory of the King!

1661. At the beginning of the personal reign of Louis XIV, Colbert began to put together the modest royal collection of antiquities. But it was in 1665 that the true turning-point occurred in the royal acquisition policy: After the indirect criticisms of the king's taste by the artist Bernini, Louis XIV revealed as never before his interest in Antiquity.

1661. At the beginning of the personal reign of Louis XIV, Colbert began to put together the modest royal collection of antiquities. But it was in 1665 that the true turning-point occurred in the royal acquisition policy: After the indirect criticisms of the king's taste by the artist Bernini, Louis XIV revealed as never before his interest in Antiquity.