(above) At the Louvre, Chambre à alcôve (Alcove Bedchamber). This ceiling was originally located in the King’s Apartment within the Pavillon du Roi. The King’s Apartment was given an entirely new decoration by Louis Le Vau in 1654–1656 for Louis XIV. The centerpiece was the King’s Bedchamber, where he received privileged guests. The fittings of this splendid room have been lost, and what remains is this ceiling. The paneling was made by Louis Barrois. The ceilings and alcove are the work of royal sculptors working to designs by Gilles Guérin.