2.11: Palace of Versailles
- Page ID
- 359675
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Artist: Louis Le Vau (architect), Charles Le Brun (interior decoration), André Le Nôtre (gardens)
Medium: Architecture and decorative arts
Art Historical Time Period: Baroque (17th century)
The Palace of Versailles, built under the direction of King Louis XIV of France, is one of the most extravagant palaces in the world. It was designed to show the absolute power of the French monarchy. Every detail — from the Hall of Mirrors to the symmetrical gardens — was meant to impress visitors and reinforce the idea that the king was chosen by God to rule.
Versailles became a symbol of centralized royal power. The palace was also the political headquarters of the French monarchy and housed thousands of nobles who were kept close under the king’s control. The layout and design of Versailles influenced palaces and government buildings around the world.
Vocabulary
- Absolutism – A system of government where one ruler holds all the power.
- Divine right – The belief that a monarch’s authority comes directly from God.
- Baroque – A dramatic and decorative art style popular in 17th-century Europe.
Student Authors
- Paula Navarro ’24 and Victor Ramirez ’26
References and Image Attribution
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