Heller Soleil Royal

This model represents the first of three ships that bore this name in the French Navy. It was distinguished under Tourville, who commanded it during the victory at Béveziers on July 10, 1690, and in the Battle of Barfleur on May 29, 1692. The first Soleil Royal was built in 1669 in Brest according to the plans of L. Hubac, with an original tonnage of 2000 tons and designed for 104 cannons. The sculptures that adorned the ship were attributed to Coysevox. Marine history experts thoroughly researched the Soleil Royal: they developed their own theories and disagreed with one another. All authentic documents had disappeared. The Heller model stirred great emotions among the specialists of the time, even as new elements were added.