Lot #R195. Nigri “King Louis XIV” Renaissance Chess Set

Description Nigri King Louis XIV Renaissance Chess Set. Offered here is the Nigri King Louis XIV Renaissance Chess Set, made in Italy by Italian craftsmen. King 6 1/4″Louis XIV (The Sun King) of France and his reign is the theme of this Nigri chess set. Hand-painted by Italian artisans and intricately molded for an incredible level of detail and beauty. Hand-painted by Italian artisans and intricately molded for an incredible level of detail and beauty. The King stands a statuesque 4-3/4″ with 2-1/8″. diameter base. Each of the Chess pieces is marked “Nigri”. The Kings and Queens from the two Armies still bear the Nigri sticker on the underside of their bases. The pieces are crafted from a material named oxo-teak, a special compound of crushed alabaster which bears a strong resemblance to ivory. The intricate details and hand-painted features make it a striking example of Italian craftsmanship.  Nigri is an Italian company world-renowned and celebrated for its high-quality depictions of historical people and events. No detail has been spared on these extra-large sculptures. The theme of this Nigri chess setis “King Louis XIV” of France and his reign. The bases are heavy, and the pieces rest atop green baize base pads. No chessboard is included with this lot. For that perfect chessboard, visit our fine selection of new and antique chessboards. These Nigri King Louis XIV Renaissance chess sets were produced around 1980. Some History Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, was King of France from 1643 to 1715, and his reign is marked by the establishment of absolute monarchy and significant cultural achievements. He was born on September 5, 1638, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, to King Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. He became king at the tender age of four following his father’s death on May 14, 1643. Due to his young age, his mother served as regent, with Cardinal Mazarin acting as his chief minister. This period was marked by civil unrest known as the Fronde, which instilled in Louis a lifelong fear of rebellion and a desire for centralized control. Louis XIV’s reign lasted 72 years, making it the longest of any monarch in European history. He is often regarded as the epitome of absolute monarchy, believing that his authority was divinely ordained. He famously stated, “L’état, c’est moi” (“I am the state”). His reign was characterized by efforts to consolidate power, reduce the influence of the nobility, and centralize the government in Versailles, which he transformed into a symbol of royal authority.