King Louis XIV of France with symbols of victory and chained captives

This relief of King Louis on a pedestal is inscribed with 'To the Victory of Louis the Great'. The ivory serves as a testament to the rise of France as the most powerful nation at the end of the 17th century under the rule of Louis XIV. It highlights the extraordinary contribution of Huguenot artists and craftsmen to European Enlightenment culture. Furthermore it demonstrates the links between France and Scotland, and the supreme skill of its native ivory carvers, transmitted to the British Isles by the creator of this most unusual piece.