Le Château de Versailles Chronicling Versailles’ historical and

cultural significance, as well as the historical events and figures that passed through its many doors

Versailles began as a convenient resting spot for royal hunting parties passing through the area. However, Louis XIV began using it as his permanent residence and brought about the palace’s first building campaign with the Plaisirs de L’Île fête of 1664.

Above and below are artistic adaptations of the castle’s changes from the front and back. The gardens were enlarged to accommodate the party’s 600 guests.

Above is a view of the gardens as there are manicured today.

Interior DesignVersailles was decorated mainly in two interior design styles: baroque and rococo.

Baroque is an imposing

design style that has a dramatic means of

expressing triumph,

power and control. It

attempts to leave

occupants in awe, using different design

techniques, such as high

windows, wide

benches, domed

ceilings and grandiose

chandeliers (see picture

on left).

Rococo is a softer interior design style, intended to give an inviting and intimate feel. It focuses on prettiness and elegance in furniture, like small sculptures and ornamental mirrors. It also uses many detailed patterns on tapestry, drapery and wallpaper to achieve a decorative effect. (see above)

A view of the castle at different angles, from inside, and with the gardens.

Brief overview of French Revolution

• Period of political and social upheaval – government (absolute monarchy) underwent radical change to bring about Enlightened principles of nationalism, citizenship and indisputable rights

• Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were the rulers at the time (were killed)

• Bread shortage led to angry French mobs• Many people died by the guillotine• Maximilian Robespierre perpetuated all the

violence with his journalism, and later thought he was a deity. And then was killed.

Marie Antoinette

Kirsten Dunst in Sophia Coppola’s film, Marie Antoinette, which was

shot in Versailles

People who like Versailles vs. People who do not

(estimation)

Napoleon did not stay at Versailles himself, but he did have some of the palace’s apartments arranged and decorated for the empress, Marie-Louise. Many paintings and pieces of artwork were taken from French museums to hang in Versailles.

Different Palaces and How Pretty They Are (estimation)

Pictures Cited (in order of appearance)

Works cited

http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/13819

http://allgoodphotos.blogspot.com/2008/07/gardens-of-versailles.html

http://paris-photo.esem.sk/paris-photo.php?photo=versaille-garden

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/lynnbuddystevens/other%2520stuff/Versailles203.jpg

http://www.rouillac.com/images/cheverny2003/Versailles.jpg

http://www.theatre.ubc.ca/dress_decor/baroque_rococo_arch_rococo.htm

http://www.destination360.com/caribbean/bahamas/versailles-gardens.php

http://www.visitingdc.com/paris/versailles-palace-picture.asp

http://kimmallari.multiply.com/journal/item/255

http://annika.mu.nu/archives/221840.html

http://movies.nytimes.com/2006/10/13/movies/13mari.html

http://schneiderhome.blogspot.com/2008/08/quote-of-day-napoleon-edition.html

http://www.georgianindex.net/Napoleon/king_rome/kr_cradle.html

http://www.georgianindex.net/Napoleon/king_rome/kr_cradle.html#TOP

http://www.theatre.ubc.ca/dress_decor/baroque_rococo_intro.htm