Context: The Sun King took the throne in 1661, and his reign ushered in a period of unparalleled splendor in the French decorative arts. It was his belief that the furnishings and decor (not to mention his home, Versailles) should reflect the glory, wealth and power of the monarchy itself. Accordingly, many of the exuberant, flamboyant pieces from this period (or, pieces created in the Louis XIV style) may be properly described as Baroque.