* Louis XIV's Artistic Preferences: Louis XIV, known as the "Sun King," favored the grand and opulent Baroque style of art. He commissioned works from artists like Charles Le Brun and Hyacinthe Rigaud, who produced portraits and mythological scenes that reflected the king's power and authority.
* Rubens's Style: While Rubens was also a Baroque artist, his style differed from the French court's preferred aesthetic. He was known for his fleshy, voluptuous figures, dynamic compositions, and vibrant colors, which could be seen as overly sensual for Louis XIV's taste.
* French Royal Collection: While the French royal collection did acquire some Rubens paintings, they were primarily acquired during the reign of Louis XIII, before Louis XIV ascended to the throne.
* Rivalry: Louis XIV and the Dutch Republic, where Rubens was born and worked, were rivals. This rivalry might have contributed to a lack of favoritism toward Rubens's art at the French court.
In summary, it's likely that Louis XIV, while appreciative of Rubens's talent, did not share the same artistic preferences as his predecessor and favored artists who better aligned with his vision of grandeur and majesty.