Versailles Palace, Versailles (part 1)

The palace of Versailles forms part of the opulence of French history during the reign of the kings and in particular King Louis XIV. The site for the palace was identified by his father King Louis XIII as a hunting lodge. Louis XIV moved the government of France and the aristocracy to Versailles where the seat of power resided till the fatal events of 1789.

The palace is one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe. It has modern day relevance as its Hall of Mirrors was where the peace treaty of Versailles, bringing an end to the First World War was signed.



  The first photo is the front view of the palace, the second the point of access to the palace. Attention to the development of the gardens of the palace was given ample consideration. The restoration of the garden to its almost original state is a view of breathtaking proportions.  



The interior of the palace is characterised by pressed ceilings with artwork adorning walls and ceilings. Louis XIV was renowned for his interest in art. This interest was apparently persisted with by the three other kings who lived at Versailles.











The last photograph is of the Hall of Mirrors, a creation conceived by Louis XIV where he indulged his vanity. It is the venue where the Peace treaty of Versailles was signed.

The Palace of Versailles is a place of profound beauty and an expression of the artistic endeavours of man during the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries. The labour intensive construction of the palace and its gardens is a feat that is unlikely to ever be repeated. Whether the building and its content should ever detract from the opressive and brutal reigns of the incumbent kings of the day is for the individual to decide. History cannot be brushed aside, nor can the artistic expression of humankind.

This topic shall be continued in the next blog. Kindly respect the copyright that exists in this work, both in the pictures as well as the written material.

Location: Versailles, France
Photos taken during a normal tour of the palace with thousands of other tourists jostling for photographs
July 2011   

Comments

Beautiful Paris said…
It's a good article actually expected more from you
November 5, 2011 at 4:24 PM
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