Answer:
Decorative motive popular in Louis XIV work, composing weapons, flags, and other military symbols into decorative grouping.
During the reign of Louis XIV, trophies were a highly popular decorative motif in the decorative arts. Trophies were compositions made up of various military symbols, such as weapons, flags, armor, and other regalia, arranged in a decorative grouping.
Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, was a monarch who sought to solidify and demonstrate his absolute power. As such, the glorification of military conquest and achievement was an important aspect of his reign. Trophies became a symbol of victory, power, and military prowess, and were consequently incorporated into various types of artworks and interior decorations.
These decorative groupings were often found on furniture, such as cabinets, commodes, and chests, where they served as elaborate and ornate ornamentation. They were also commonly seen in architectural elements, such as wall reliefs, moldings, and friezes.
Trophies were typically composed of crossed swords, muskets, pikes, or lances, often surmounted by a helmet or a royal crown, flanked by flags or banners. These military elements were often intertwined with laurel or oak branches, symbolizing victory and strength.
The use of trophies in Louis XIVs era was not limited to the decorative arts; they were also used in other visual media such as tapestries, paintings, and even sculptures. The grandeur and magnificence of these pieces emphasized the monarchs military achievements and projected a sense of power and dominance.
Overall, trophies were a prominent decorative motif in the work of Louis XIV, symbolizing military might and celebrating the kings authority. They served as a reminder of the glory and strength of the French monarchy during this period.