Louis XIV popularized opera and ballet, supported writers such as Moliere, promoted art that glorified the monarchy and supported absolute rule.
Louis XIV, France's Sun King, was more interested in the fine arts than in politics and government affairs, and he has left behind some truly impressive architectural achievements, including the Les Invalides building complex, the Place Vendôme, and the elegant Champs-Elysées boulevard which is now home to the prestigious Ritz Hotel and the city's most expensive jewelry shops.
Louis XIV picked art over politics. With its extensive gardens, playful pavilions and noble palace buildings, Versailles offered the appropriate backdrop for artistic life at the court of Louis XIV, who surrounded himself with thousands of aristocrats, composers and artists.
Entire legions of servants attended to the wellbeing of the royal guests that were invited by the king to take part in his opulent feasts and masked balls. The public appearance of his mistresses was always a highlight of his lavish parties.
Read Dw.com's Louis XIV: What France's Sun King did for art to know more.
Learn more about the reign of Louis XIV at History.com.