Portrait of Louis XIV of France as a Child
Louis XIV became the king of France at the age of four. His reign lasted 72 years and 110 days, the longest in recorded history. This portrait shows him shortly before his coronation, when he was still dauphin (heir apparent to the French crown). In the ornate architectural frame, Lasne incorporated references to Louis’ future is a great ruler, such as globes and personifications of the continents.