“Turks” on Display during the Reign of Louis XIV

This article examines the display of subjugated “Turks” as an underexplored aspect of propaganda for Louis XIV. It argues that esclaves turcs painted on the ceilings of Versailles or circulated in medals and almanac prints were more than figurative, but referred to the actual bodies of Ottoman and Moroccan slaves toiling on Mediterranean galleys. Whether real or imagined, submissive “Turks” projected royal power. They advertised the Sun King's ability to vanquish religious enemies while deflecting attention from his willingness to maintain diplomatic and commercial relations with foreign ‘infidels.’ However, they were also unstable symbols deployed by Louis XIV's critics to condemn his rule.