Louis XIV as Apollo
The Sun King
Louis XIV came to the throne at a very young age and ruled over France for more than 60 years. He is most associated with Apollo, the sun god, and became known as the Roi Soleil. He performed as Apollo in various ballets between 1651-1670. In 1661 he established the Académie Royale de Danse. Many academies were opening in Europe during this period with academicians returning to the ancient sensibilities, philosophies and aesthetics of the Classical Greeks.
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Louis XIV as Apollo in The Ballet de la Nuit 1653
Henri de Gissey, costume designs
Bibliothèque de l’Institut, Paris, France
