Versailles, which is one of the largest and most elaborate royal palaces ever constructed, initially began as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII in 1624. From this modest lodge, a colossal and stunning palace emerged that burdened the French government with unforeseen costs. Versailles was intended to serve as the primary residence of Louis XIV, also known as The Sun King, who deemed a magnificent palace as indispensable for royal existence. Thus, all kings and nobles were expected to possess lavishly adorned palaces with exquisite artwork, opulent ballrooms, and extravagant furniture.
Louis hired architect Louis Le Vau and painter/decorator Charles Le Brun to create his magnificent palace. Together, they planned a 37,000-acre complex, including gardens. During construction, an additional 400 sculptures and 1,400 fountains were incorporated. However, the king desired more and enlisted Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1676 for redesigning and expanding the palace. Mansart added a full second story to the structure and crafted the impressive Hall of Mirrors.
The Hall of Mirrors featured 17 arched mirrors, each reflecting a stunning view from one of its 17 windows. The hall was adorned with statues, busts of Roman Emperors, and guided candelabra. Its ceiling boasted paintings showcasing the triumphs of Louis XIV. Besides its exquisite beauty, the hall served as a venue for historic events, including the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which marked the end of the American Revolution, and the Treaty of Versailles, which brought an end to World War I. Additionally, Mansart extended the palace by adding both the south and north wings.
Mansart expanded Versailles, completing everything except for the Chapel during Louis XIV’s reign. In 1722, Louis XV took control of Versailles and employed architect Anges-Jacques Gabriel in 1742. Gabriel continued to expand the palace throughout the following century. The construction project employed a total of 36,000 workers until its completion. Once finished, the palace housed over 10,000 inhabitants, including nobles and servants. When Louis XV died in 1774, he left a significant debt to his grandson Louis XVI. Despite the dire financial situation, Louis XVI immediately had the gardens completely renovated.
The French Government’s bankruptcy in 1788 led to the surrender of the palace, ultimately sparking the French Revolution. By 1792, Versailles was deserted and its belongings were sold, while its art was relocated to museums. Left vacant, the palace was later transformed into a museum by the French government in the 1830s. In 1962, the palace was partly restored with the retrieval of its remaining belongings, rendering it almost fully restored to its original state.
Additionally, the gardens and statues have undergone restoration, while over 80 rooms have been remodeled and adorned. Currently, these rooms are open to the public.
Sources
- “Palace of Versailles. ” (online) @ http://hometown. aol. com/NKnechtel/index. htm, December 15, 1999 Steves, Rick.
- “The Palace of Versailles: Europe. ” (online) @ http://www. ricksteves. com/ccinfo/versail. htm, December 16, 1999 “Palace of Versailles. ” (online) @ http://www. bc. edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/arch/17thc. htm, December 28, 1999 “Palace of Versailles. ” Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. 13, 1995
