Which important figure was instrumental in the arts during the time of King Louis XIV?

Jean Baptiste Colbert played a pivotal role in shaping the arts during the reign of King Louis XIV in France. As the Minister of Finances, Colbert was a key figure in implementing policies that supported the development of the arts and helped elevate France as a cultural center in Europe. His initiatives included funding for the establishment of institutions like the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, which promoted French artists and standardized art education.

Colbert's influence extended beyond financial support; he also emphasized the importance of art in promoting the grandeur of the monarchy. His efforts to patronize artists and architects led to significant cultural achievements, including collaborations that produced iconic structures and artworks reflecting the glory of Louis XIV’s reign, often referred to as the "Sun King."

In contrast, the other figures listed—Gustav Klimt, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh—were influential in the art world during different time periods, primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and did not have a direct connection to the arts during the time of King Louis XIV.