King Louis XIV of France, known for his extravagant spending and the construction of the Palace of Versailles, reigned from 1643 to 1715. His court became a symbol of absolute monarchy and the pinnacle of the baroque style, reflecting wealth and power. Louis XIV centralized authority, reducing the influence of nobles and strengthening his control over France by moving the royal court to Versailles, where he could closely monitor his subjects. His lavish expenditures and patronage of the arts established an enduring legacy, yet his policies led to financial strains on the state, contributing to social discontent that echoed into the French Revolution.