text: **Other works of art**
  
  In addition to portraits, Louis commissioned at least 20 statues of himself in the 1680s, to stand in Paris and provincial towns as 
  physical manifestations of his rule. He also commissioned "war artists" to follow him on campaigns to document his military 
  triumphs. To remind the people of these triumphs, Louis erected permanent triumphal arches in Paris and the provinces for the 
  first time since the decline of the Roman Empire. 
  
  Louis's reign marked the birth and infancy of the art of medallions. Sixteenth-century rulers had often issued medals in small 
  numbers to commemorate the major events of their reigns. Louis, however, struck more than 300 to celebrate the story of the king 
  in bronze, that were enshrined in thousands of households throughout France. 
  
  He also used tapestries as a medium of exalting the monarchy. Tapestries could be allegorical, depicting the elements or seasons, 
  or realist, portraying royal residences or historical events. They were among the most significant means to spread royal 
  propaganda prior to the construction of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.[117] 