The Two Deaths of Louis XIII

The Making of the Political Event
By Cédric Coraillon
English

On May 14, 1643, Louis XIII, the king of France, died. A few days later and before the burial, the young Louis XIV of France and his mother Anne of Austria came to Paris and took power, in a break with tradition. Indeed, this death brought about the difference of opinion regarding political representation to be given to the king’s funeral, particularly at the start of an uncertain time of conflict and long reign. If Louis XIII imagined himself at the end of his life as a simple Christian, therefore preferring a simple funeral, the monarchy needed a symbolic representation, showy ceremonies to ensure that glory and virtue be transferred to the new king. Royal religion was then fully transferred to the young king as a necessary condition for his own influence. The late king did not only cease to exist, he faded from memory, a dual death that guaranteed the glory of the new king.

Keywords

  • Louis XIIIth
  • funeral
  • king
  • oration
  • France
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