Luigi XIV

Luigi XIV, also known as the Sun King, was King of France from 1643 until his death in 1715. He is renowned for his long reign and for centralizing state power in France, famously declaring 'L'état, c'est moi' ('I am the state'). His reign is marked by the construction of the Palace of Versailles, which became a symbol of absolute monarchy and artistic grandeur. Under his rule, France became a dominant power in Europe, but his extravagant spending and wars also set the stage for future fiscal crises. Luigi XIV's legacy includes the promotion of arts and culture, making France a center of art and fashion during the 17th century.