French officer’s coat
This finely made uniform belonged to a high-ranking commander in Louis XIV’S army
A colourful piece of 18th C. uniform
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, France was the dominant European power and Louis XIV was the continent’s most powerful absolute monarch. Known as the “Sun King”, Louis’ hegemony over his rivals was in large part due to the reformed French Royal Army that he presided over.
When Louis began his personal rule in 1661, his army was large but disorganised and not entirely under his control. Under the guidance of his war secretaries, the king’s army became centralised and disciplined with the introduction of a regimental system and improved equipment. Louis’ foreign policy became defined by warfare and France was involved in three major wars during his reign: the Franco-dutch
War, Nine Years’ War and the War of the Spanish Succession.
French fortunes in these wars were decidedly mixed with territorial gains made in some and humiliating defeats inflicted in others. Nevertheless, throughout these conflicts Louis’ soldiers fought with courage and panache. As befitting a king who built the
Palace of Versailles, his army was also immaculately dressed.
This magnificent pictured coat dates from c.1690-1710 during the height of Louis’ campaigns. It is made from a fine quality heavy cloth with silk cuffs and would have been worn by a “general officer” or even a marshal. As well as the cuffs, the ornate covered buttons are richly detailed in a French style with gold spangles and wire.
It is also notable that the skirts of the coat are full and flared, which indicates that a mounted officer would have worn it.
“THIS MAGNIFICENT PICTURED COAT DATES FROM C.1690-1710”