Spanish And French Monarchial Beliefs - The Escorial And Versailles :: essays research papers

The palace of Versailles was built by Louis XIV of France (1643-1715), and the Escorial was built by Philip II of Spain (1556-1598). By examining the aerial and frontal facades of these two palaces, it may be seen that there were many similarities and differences between the two kings perception and practice of monarchy. separately king set his own goals for his life, and concluded as to how a monarch ought to behave. Both Louis XIV and Philip II had religious duties to pay attention to, form the distribution of power in their respective kingdoms, communicated with other countries and entities through warfare and diplomacy, raised militaries, and made plans for the expansion of their own beliefs, thoughts and practices. Aside from these aspects of the two kings beliefs and practices of monarchy, the architecture of their palaces reflected their ideals, or personal beliefs, and the interpretation made by the painters of the palaces reflects the attitudes of the two kings toward l ife.The role of the king to the public during the reigns of Louis XIV of France and Philip II of Spain were not predetermined, so all(prenominal) king created for himself what he thought monarchy ought to be. Louis XIV and Philip II were both absolutists, and believed that they should be the supreme rulers of France and Spain, respectively. However, Louis XIV did not want to be a field symbol serving no legitimate purpose. He handleed to control the military, economy, contrasted affairs, and the plaque of the kingdom and of justice. He believed that the king of France should be the best that France has to offer- creation served by even the most powerful lords of France. Conversely, Philip II thought of himself as Catholic first, and king of Spain second. Opposite to Louis XIV, Philip II preferred to sit in the Escorial and pray, pour over records, and live more as a monastic than as Louis XIVs conception of a king. Philip II neer wanted to take much of an active part in the administration of his kingdom, except for the times when he wanted to use some of his different powers. However, after he had used it for a while (waging war, raising taxes, etceteras) he would let it lay dormant and return to his documents. Nor did Philip II ever wish to control most of the Spanish economy. The parts that he did control were ones that this instant affected himself or his revenues, so vital in order to adjudge his army of immense proportions.