grand siècle

/ ɡrɑ̃ sjɛklə /

noun

1. the 17th century in French art and literature, esp the classical period of Louis XIV

Word History and Origins

Origin of grand siècle¹

literally: great century

Example Sentences

Many artists and intellectuals of Russia’s Silver Age had a cult of the grand siècle, the world of Louis XIV.

From The New Yorker

There is a touch of real pathos in his superb tribute to Boileau: Let us salute and acknowledge to-day the noble and mighty harmony of the grand siècle.

From Project Gutenberg

Modern arts and sciences flourish in a landscape adorned with Gothic cathedrals, tree- lined avenues and grand siecle chateaus.

From Time Magazine Archive

With him, French painting shook off its provinciality and became a European affair, mirroring the power of its grand siecle, the age of Louis XIV.

From Time Magazine Archive

In The Splendid Century, British Author W. H. Lewis shows that despite the King's intimate relationship with the Almighty, he was all too human, and that for all its splendor, Louis le Grand's grand siecle was not as splendid as it seemed.

From Time Magazine Archive