The revocation of the Edict of Nantes resulted in a
considerable emigration of Huguenots from France. What was a loss to that
country was a gain to England and Holland, where the Huguenots settled and
where they introduced their arts and trades. Prussia, also, profited by the
emigration of the Huguenots. Many of them went to Berlin, and that capital owed
the beginning of its importance to its Huguenot population. Louis by his
bigotry thus strengthened the chief Protestant foes of France.
ART UNDER LOUIS XIV
Louis was a generous patron of art. French painters and
sculptors led the world at this time. One of his architects, Mansard, invented
the mansard roof, which has been largely used in France and other European countries.
This architectural device makes it possible to provide extra rooms at a small
expense, without adding an additional story to the building. Among the
monuments of Louis's reign are the Hôtel des Invalides, now the tomb
of Napoleon, additions to the Louvre, perhaps the masterpiece of all
modern architecture, and the huge palace of Versailles. Louis also founded the
Gobelins manufactory, so celebrated for fine carpets, furniture, and metal
work.
