Description
According to the Chateau de Versailles web site, Louis XIV chose the sun for his emblem in part because of the symbolic association of the sun with Apollo, ancient Greek god of Peace and the Arts, and in part because the sun is the center of the universe, regulating the rhythms of daily life. Louis’s identification as the “Sun King” was reinforced by his daily public morning rising and evening retiring ceremonies. He had the décor of Versailles filled with depictions and attributes of Apollo — laurels, a lyre, a tripod and a face surrounded by the rays of the sun.
Reference:
“Louis XIV.” Chateau de Versailles. http://en.chateauversailles.fr/history/court-people/louis-xiv-time/louis-xiv- (11 July 2014)