Louis Le Vau was the chief architect of King Louis XIV and a defining figure of French Baroque architecture. This scholarly volume examines his most celebrated projects, from the grand palaces of Versailles to the elegant Parisian mansions that reshaped the city’s urban fabric. Drawing on extensive archival research and visual analysis, the authors explore Le Vau’s innovative use of classical orders, his mastery of spatial composition, and the ways his designs responded to the political and cultural ambitions of the French monarchy. The book also situates his work within broader 17th‑century architectural trends, offering critical interpretation of his influence on subsequent generations of architects. Richly illustrated with plans, elevations, and photographs, the study provides a comprehensive overview of Le Vau’s legacy in the context of French Baroque architecture.

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