Cannon foundries

Initiated by Jacques-François de Hautefort, the project to create foundries to supply cannons to Louis XIV's royal navy was implemented by his first cousin François d'Ajat de Hautefort. These were the Ans foundries, located 15 km from Hautefort. Once made, the cannons were transported by land to the port of Moustiers on the Vézère, from where they were shipped by river and then by sea to the arsenals at Rochefort.

The Marquis of Hautefort in painting?

Painted by the Flemish artist Adam-François van der Meulen, this painting joined the Foundation's collections in 2025. It depicts Louis XIV's entry into Douai in 1667. Pay close attention to the figure on horseback on the right in red. He is welcoming Queen Maria Theresa. Who better to do this than the Queen's first equerry? It could well be that this figure is Jacques-François de Hautefort!