Remnants of feudal political system, nobility enjoying a semi-autonomous status, therefore resisting any attempts toward centralization.
The age of Louis XIV (r. 1643-1715)
First cooperation then manipulation and control of the aristocracy.
Sale of offices, creation of a new type of aristocracy totally faithful to Louis.
The old aristocracy kept under surveillence by Louis in Versailles.
Representation of the king as a semi-divine ruler through paintings that depicted him as Apollo or a Roman emperor.
L'Etat, c'est moi (I am the state).
The English kings failed in their struggle toward absolutism.
Stuarts were staunchly resisted by the Parliament, which finally managed to establish constitutional monarchy.
Glorious Revolution 1688.
Louis as a child
Louis and his family
Louis mocked by a comic strip
Versailles
