This imaginary visit of King Louis XIV to the imaginary premises of the Academie Des Sciences portrays a number of interests, accomplishments, and desires of the new scientific academy. To Louis' left is the plan for a fortification, at his feet is a map, and Louis (the Sun King) faces a burning-glass (a parabolic mirror). The Academie will put the world at Louis' feet and intensify his power and glory. In the foreground appears to be an animal alluding to the newly completed natural history authored by the Academie. On the walls are chemical apparati and a human skeleton. In the background is the observatory the Academie and their protector, the minister Colbert, hoped to convince Louis to fund.