It contained the sub-division known as the “premier rang extraordinaire”, which included such vessels as the Royal Louis and the Soleil Royal.

The influence of the French Court on the arts during the reign of Louis XIV in the seventeenth century was considerable, but there was little similarity between the decorations of the French and British ships; of all the national styles, they were the least alike. One noteworthy exception was the practice of fitting open galleries or balconies, where the English followed the French.

The Royal Louis was a three-decker with 120 guns, making her a tremendous ship of the line. She was one of the very few first rates to carry bronze 48 pounders, making her one of the most powerful vessels belonging to the French Royal Navy at the time. She was an admiral ship of the blue and white squadron, being part of the American squadron, called the Earl D’Estaing’s.

The main equipment was made of thirty-two thirty-six ponders at the low battery, thirty-four thirty-two ponders at the second battery and thirty-two twelve ponders at the third battery.

The Royal Louis underwent several changes that changed both her hull line and her rigging. The most remarkable modification was the drastic lowering of her quarterdeck and the disappearance of the spirit-sail mast.