Animals 'dressed' in scarlet hues
The etiquette enforced at the court of Louis XIV definitely reflected his God-like status! For example, male courtiers had to sit down in a very specific manner. They would have to slide their left foot in front of their right, place their hands on the sides of the chair, and gently lower themselves down.
Although Louis XIV is believed not to wash very often, he was apparently an avid believer in enemas. Enemas were a common practice during this period in history, as they were thought to be good for the health. Some accounts say Louis XIV was a bit of a fanatic and had more than 2,000 enemas in his lifetime!
The constant wardrobe updates and formal events put many nobles into serious debt! The Baroque period was known for its opulent attire made of richly colored fabrics, gold filigree, intricate lace, ribbons, and pearls.
The Marquise de Maintenon encouraged Louis XIV to forget about her and give more attention to his wife, but he couldn't be persuaded. This made his wife, Maria Theresa, very fond of his new mistress.
He ascended to the throne at the young age of five, with his mother ruling as regent. She instilled in him a strong belief in his absolute and divine power as king.
One story goes that the King’s mistress used to douse herself in strong scents to try to mask the stink coming from him when they were in close proximity! This led to a serious argument, as he couldn’t stand her smell and she couldn’t stand his.
Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660 when she was 22 years old and he was 17.
The dress code was extremely formal and men were required to carry swords. It’s said that fashion was very important to Louis XIV, so much so that the nobleman at court had to keep up with his adherence to the latest trends in order to remain in his favor.
Historical accounts suggest that the King was faithful to Maria Theresa for the first year of their marriage, but began to carry on numerous affairs after that.
Louis XIV was known as an over-spender. He loved the arts and fine foods. Every evening there was a dinner at 10 pm for the entire court that required 500 staff members to prepare and serve.
This idea of luxury and extravagance is in strong contrast with the hygiene habits of the time. Physicians of the 17th century believed that bathing opened the pores up to disease, and should therefore be avoided.
There are many historical accounts that claim that Louis XIV only took a bath three times in his life, although this is likely an exaggeration! Most people at that time would only bathe once a year, but royals and aristocrats would change their linen shirts regularly to keep themselves “fresh.” It's said that Louis XIV changed his three times a day.
It’s rumored that Louis XIV suffered from terrible migraines that were triggered by the strong perfumes.
Louis XIV was a devout Catholic (despite the mistresses...) who went to mass every day and attempted to unify France under one religion. However, in those days, cleanliness was not next to godliness.
Louis XIV inherited his strong faith from his mother, Anne of Austria, but it seems that she may have put 'practicality' above religion sometimes.
When Louis XIV was 15 years old, Anne decided it was time to find a woman to introduce him to the act of procreation. She began a search for the perfect candidate.
Historians say she wanted someone experienced, discreet, lacking in ambitions, and who would not be too beautiful or enchanting. She chose one of her ladies-in-waiting who was known as "One-eyed Catherine" for obvious reasons. The Queen was satisfied with her efforts and gifted her with a title, several estates, and a hotel.
After Henrietta Anne, there was another of his most famous mistresses, a married woman called the Marquise de Montespan, formerly a lady-in-waiting to his wife. She was known to be ambitious, and many of the courtiers were scared of her.
It's believed that she went to sorcerers and magicians to obtain love potions that she fed to the King. Her plan to gain the King's favor succeeded and they began a long affair. She gave birth to seven of his children.
As the Marquise de Montespan's spell began to wear off, Louis XIV became interested in someone else. The recipient of his affections happened to be her governess, known as the Marquise de Maintenon.
The Marquise de Montespan wasn't the only one making use of these underground services. Apparently these alchemists and sorceresses were selling potions and spells to many enterprising members of the court who wished to use them on the King to further their positions.
When Maria Theresa died at the age of 44, Louis XIV decided to marry the Marquise de Maintenon. However, she came from a very poor background and her family could not be allowed to inherit the crown, so they were married in secret. They had a religious marriage, but it was not recognized by the state so she was never officially made queen.
Sources: (BBC) (Britannica) (Listverse) (Ranker)
Vatel famously killed himself by driving a sword through his heart. Sadly, the fish delivery arrived shortly after his death.
It's no surprise that when an autopsy was performed after his death, physicians found that his stomach was three times the size of a normal man's.
Louis XIV was born in 1638, son of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. He was born during a time of extreme opulence for the French monarchy.
In 1661, rumors began to circulate that Louis XIV was becoming very close with his brother's new wife, Henrietta Anne of England. She eventually became his official mistress and had four of his children.
Another trick used during this time was perfume. Those with money would cover themselves in perfume to hide the stink created by their unwashed bodies. It’s unlikely, however, that this was effective…
When it came to calling upon the King, it was unacceptable to knock on his door. Visitors would have to lightly scratch the door with their pinkie finger to request entry.
Louis XIV employed a very famous chef named François Vatel. Vatel was known as the “Prince of Cooks" due to his incredible skill, but even he couldn't withstand the pressure of the King's extravagant feasts. During a three-day event, he felt humiliated at his failure to accurately guess the amount of food required to feed 5,000 guests. When the fish delivery failed to arrive for the next day's feast, he cracked.
When the French police received a tip off that someone was planning to poison the King, a mass enquiry of hundreds of noblemen and potion-peddlers began. Thirty-six people were sentenced to death, 34 sent into exile, and many others were punished.
Louis XIV is one of Europe's best remembered kings, known for ordering the building of the Palace of Versailles, leading an incredibly opulent life, and creating an absolute monarchy in France. Not only did he live in a time when people held many strange beliefs and behaved in outrageous ways (by our standards), he was also an exceptionally odd character himself.
Those who lived within his sphere bore witness to his excessive lifestyle and had to take part to remain in his favor. His reign is an excellent example of what happens when one person is given absolute power and has no one in their lives who says "no!"
Click through the following gallery to learn some of the most shocking details about life at Louis XIV's court.
Fascinating tales from the court of Louis XIV
The Sun King of France had a fondness for enemas...
LIFESTYLE Royal history
Louis XIV is one of Europe's best remembered kings, known for ordering the building of the Palace of Versailles, leading an incredibly opulent life, and creating an absolute monarchy in France. Not only did he live in a time when people held many strange beliefs and behaved in outrageous ways (by our standards), he was also an exceptionally odd character himself.
Those who lived within his sphere bore witness to his excessive lifestyle and had to take part to remain in his favor. His reign is an excellent example of what happens when one person is given absolute power and has no one in their lives who says "no!"
Click through the following gallery to learn some of the most shocking details about life at Louis XIV's court.