… The bosquet was renamed the Grotte des Bains d'Apollon (Marie 1968, 1972, 1976, 1984; Thompson 2006; Verlet 1985). During the Ancien Régime, the Grand Canal served as a venue for boating parties. (Marie 1972, 1975; Nolhac 1901, 1925; Thompson 2006; Verlet 1985), Modifications in the gardens during the third building campaign were distinguished by a stylistic change from the natural esthetic of André Le Nôtre to the architectonic style of Jules Hardouin Mansart. The new Opera was inaugurated on May 16, 1770, as part of the celebration of the royal wedding. The creation of the gardens of Versailles is the context for the film A Little Chaos, directed by Alan Rickman and released in 2015, in which Kate Winslet plays a fictional landscape gardener and Rickman plays King Louis XIV.[48]. (Lighthart, 1997; Mâle, 1927). 60 × 50 in. Chateau; Floor Plans; Chantilly Chambers; WakeCo Jardin; East Jardin; Salle de Valencay; Salle de Versailles; Salle De Pierrefonds; Verona Foyer; Outdoor Gazebo; … [13] Occupying the site of Rondeau/Bassin des Cygnes of Louis XIII, the Apollo Fountain, which was constructed between 1668 and 1671, depicts the sun god driving his chariot to light the sky. When the King promenaded in the gardens, fountains were turned on only when the King was approaching them, and turned off after he departed. (Marie 1972, 1975; Thompson 2006; Verlet 1985), Pièce d'eau des Suisses The painting on the ceiling by François Lemoyne, Louis XV offering an olive branch to Europe, illustrates this theme. While this system solved some of the water supply problems, there was never enough water to keep all of the fountains running in the garden in full-play all of the time (Thompson, 2006). Symbolically, the "Grotte de Thétys" related to the myth of Apollo – and by that association to Louis XIV. The galerie was completely remodeled in 1704 when the statues were transferred to Marly and the bosquet was replanted with horse chestnut trees (Aesculus hippocastanum) – hence the current name Salle des Marronniers (Marie 1968, 1972, 1976, 1984; Thompson 2006; Verlet 1985). In the center, a 3-storey avant-corps fronted with eight red marble columns supporting a gilded wrought-iron balcony is surmounted with a triangle of lead statuary surrounding a large clock, whose hands were stopped upon the death of Louis XIV. Versailles, Du Bus plan With Louis XIII's final purchase of lands from Jean-François de Gondi in 1632 and his assumption of the seigneurial role of Versailles in the 1630s, formal gardens were laid out west of the château. Louis XV commissioned a bathroom to be built when he was thirteen years old - he would later build bathrooms supplied with plumbed-in hot and cold water. The central painting on the ceiling, by Charles de la Fosse, depicts the Sun Chariot of Apollo, the King's favorite emblem, pulled by four horses and surrounded by the four seasons. In 1875 a second parliamentary body, the French Senate, was created, and held its meetings for the election of a President of the Republic in a new hall created in 1876 in the south wing of the Palace. Under the direction of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the bosquet was completely remodeled in 1706. The gardens and park were also enlarged, laid out by Jacques Boyceau and his nephew, Jacques de Menours (1591–1637), and reached essentially the size they have today. The military operation which suppressed the Commune at the end of May was directed from Versailles, and the prisoners of the Commune were marched there and put on trial in military courts. While the decoration of the palace was costly, certain other costs were minimised. Statues from the Grande Commande of 1674 were relocated to other parts of the garden; two twin octagonal basins were constructed and decorated with bronze statues representing the four main rivers of France. ", This page was last edited on 19 December 2020, at 21:10. Apollo, the sun god, was the emblem of Louis XIV, featured in much of the decoration of the palace. File; File history; File usage on Commons; Size of this preview: 800 × 377 pixels. Salle du Jeu de Paume can only be discovered through a guided tour, so contact the site ahead of time or stop by a booking office for more information. They were often used for concerts or theatrical performances. These volumes provide valuable archival material pursuant to the financial expenditure on all aspects of Versailles such as the payments disbursed for many trades as varied as artists and mole catchers. To compensate for the loss of the reservoir on top of the Grotte de Thétys and to meet the increased demand for water, Jules Hardouin-Mansart designed new and larger reservoirs situated due north of the Aile des Nobles (Thompson 2006). Guests were regaled with fabulous entertainments in the gardens over a period of one week. With the outbreak of the war, the project was abandoned, never to be completed. In 1678, an octagonal ring of turf and eight rocaille fountains surrounding the central fountain were added. [105], One of the most baffling aspects to the study of Versailles is the cost – how much Louis XIV and his successors spent on Versailles. (Hedin 1992; Thompson 2006; Verlet 1985), During this phase of construction, three of the garden's major bosquets were modified or created. [95], In 1668 Louis XIV decided to build a smaller palace some distance from the main palace, where he could spend quieter time away from the crowds and formality of his Court. Bassin des Sapins Other painters featured include Horace Vernet and François Gérard. For the extensive park around the palace, see, "Versailles" redirects here. The King's apartment was accessed from the Hall of Mirrors from the Oeil de Boeuf antechamber or from the Guardroom and the Grand Couvert, the ceremonial room where Louis XIV often took his evening meals, seated alone at a table in front of the fireplace. It then became grander and more monumental, with the addition of the colonnades and flat roofs of the new royal apartments in the French classical or Louis XIV style, as designed by Louis Le Vau and later Jules Hardouin-Mansart. [66], The Royal Opera during the celebration of the marriage of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette (1770), Ceiling of the opera, painted by Louis Jean-Jacques Durameau, The Royal Opera of Versailles was originally commissioned by Louis XIV in 1682 and was to be built at the end of the North Wing with a design by Mansart and Vigarani. The Palace of Versailles offers a visual history of French architecture from the 17th century to the end of the 18th century. [3], The site of the Palace was first occupied by a small village and church, surrounded by forests filled with abundant game. (Nolhac 1899, 1902), The "Grotte de Thétys", which was located to the north of the château, formed part of the iconography of the château and of the gardens that aligned Louis XIV with solar imagery. Stream 30 - Jardins - Fontaine salle de bal by Château de Versailles from desktop or your mobile device The Colonnade, as it was renamed, originally featured thirty-two arches and thirty-one fountains – a single jet of water splashed into a basin center under the arch. "Sur la restauration de quelques sculptures du parc du Versailles. Charles Le Brun painted thirty scenes of the early reign of Louis XIV on the ceiling. In 1671, André Le Nôtre conceived a bosquet – originally christened Salle des Festins and later called Salle du Conseil – that featured a quatrefoil island surrounded by a channel that contained fifty water jets. [59], Ceiling in the Salon of Apollo, depicting the Sun Chariot of Apollo, Bust of Louis XIV by Bernini in Salon of Diana. Jonas Bendiksen. Owing to the proximity of the Seine to Versailles, a project was proposed to raise the water from the river to be delivered to Versailles. The Gardens of Versailles (French: Jardins du château de Versailles; French pronunciation: ​[ʒaʁdɛ̃ dy ʃato də versaij]) occupy part of what was once the Domaine royal de Versailles, the royal demesne of the château of Versailles. One part of the initiative, the restoration of the Hall of Mirrors, was completed in 2006. [37]. [12] Designed by André Le Nôtre, sculpted by Gaspard and Balthazar Marsy, and constructed between 1668 and 1670, the fountain depicted an episode from Ovid's Metamorphoses. (Thompson 2006; Verlet 1985), Owing to the many modifications made to the gardens between the 17th and the 19th centuries, many of the bosquets have undergone multiple modifications, which were often accompanied by name changes. Other resolutions: 320 × 151 pixels | 640 × 302 pixels | 1,024 × 483 pixels | 1,280 × 604 … (Marie 1968; Nolhac 1901, 1925; Thompson 2006; Verlet 1985), Grand Canal This article often employs shortened footnotes. [73], The Latona Fountain underwent a major renovation between 2012 and 2015, which required the removal of its statuary, marble fittings, and lead pipe network for off-site restoration. Bosquet de la Renommée—Bosquet des Dômes This salon was used for serving light meals during evening receptions. The first major modification to the gardens during this phase occurred in 1680 when the Tapis Vert[32] – the expanse of lawn that stretches between the Latona Fountain and the Apollo Fountain – achieved its final size and definition under the direction of André Le Nôtre. [12] In the 1670s and 1680s, 10 million livres worth of solid silver furniture was commissioned to designs by Le Brun, including tubs for Louis XIV's orange trees, an 8 foot high sculpted throne, and a silver balustrade in the Salon of Mercury. The National Assembly held its meetings in the Opera House. Massive soil erosion necessitated planting of new trees. The campaign dates are as follows: First building campaign, 1661–1666; Second building campaign, 1670–1678; Third building campaign, 1680–1687; Fourth building campaign, 1704–1715. Photographs. Opening & closing timings, parking options, restaurants nearby or what to see on your visit to Salle Du Jeu De Paume? It is located in the department of Yvelines, in the region of Île-de-France, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of the centre of Paris.[2]. With the exception of the state visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1855, at which time the gardens were a setting for a gala fête that recalled the fêtes of Louis XIV, Napoléon III ignored the château, preferring instead the château of Compiègne (Thompson 2006; Verlet 1985). For example, labour for construction was often low, due largely to the fact that the army during times of peace and during the winter, when wars were not waged, was pressed into action at Versailles. The northern bosquet was rebuilt in 1696 as the Bosquet du Dauphin with a fountain that featured a dolphin. 15 16 June 1681 – 23 January 1682 to Sr. Lois and Sr. de Villers silversmiths on account for the silver balustrade that they are making for the king's use (four payments): 88,457 livres 5 sols. ", Hedin, Thomas. During the replantation of 1774–1775, both the bosquets were destroyed. The Machine de Marly was designed to lift water from the Seine in three stages to the aqueduc de Louveciennes some 100 metres above the level of the river. The terrace was later replaced by the Hall of Mirrors, The main floor (above the ground floor) of the new palace contained two symmetrical sets of apartments, one for the king and the other for the queen, looking over the gardens. It was rebuilt beginning in 1712 under the supervision of the First Architect of the King, Robert de Cotte, to showcase two paintings by Paolo Veronese, Eleazar and Rebecca and Meal at the House of Simon the Pharisee, which was a gift to Louis XIV from the Republic of Venice in 1664. [61], The bed of the King is placed beneath a carved relief by Nicolas Coustou entitled France watching over the sleeping King. [70] They are the finest example of the jardin à la française, or the French formal garden. Most significant among the creations at this time were the Versailles Orangerie and the "Grotte de Thétys". Formal beds of turf and boxwood outlined by gravel paths to form arabesque patterns were created, faithful to the original designs of Le Nôtre. Latona and her children, Apollo and Diana, being tormented with mud slung by Lycian peasants, who refused to let her and her children drink from their pond, appealed to Jupiter who responded by turning the Lycians into frogs. While much of the chateau's interior was irreparably altered to accommodate the Museum of the History of France dedicated to "all the glories of France" (inaugurated by Louis-Philippe on 10 June 1837), the gardens, by contrast, remained untouched. (Verlet, 1961, 1985), Between 1664 and 1668, a flurry of activity was evidenced in the gardens – especially with regard to fountains and new bosquets; it was during this time that the imagery of the gardens consciously exploited Apollo and solar imagery as metaphors for Louis XIV. [62], The Peace Salon is decorated to illustrate the role of France as the arbiter and peacemaker of Europe under Louis XV. It is decorated today largely as it was under Napoleon and Louis-Philippe. 129 21 March to Sr. Jehannot de Bartillay 4,970 livres 12 sols for the delivery to Sr. Lois and de Villers silversmiths for, with 136,457 livres 5 sol to one and 25,739 livres 10 sols to another, making the 38 balusters, 17 pilasters, the base and the cornice for the balustrade for the château of Versailles weighing 4,076 marc at the rate of 41 livres the marc[c] including 41 livres 2 sols for tax: 4,970 livres 12 sols. During the reign of Louis XVI, Hubert Robert remodeled the bosquet, creating a cave-like setting for the Marsy statues. In 1792, the Convention, the new revolutionary government, ordered the transfer of all the paintings and sculptures from the Palace to the Louvre. The ground floor gallery of the south wing was prone to this, to the extent that iron bars had to be installed in the corridor outside the rooms of the Dauphin Louis and the Dauphine when they moved to the south wing in 1745. Estimate £1,200 - 1,800 ♠ Sold for £1,250. Seeming to heed his great-grandfather's admonition not to engage in costly building campaigns, Louis XV did not undertake the costly building campaigns at Versailles that Louis XIV had. Rechristened Bosquet de la Reine, it would be in this part of the garden that an episode of the Affair of the Diamond Necklace, which compromised Marie-Antoinette, transpired in 1785 (Marie 1968, 1972, 1976, 1984; Perrault 1669; Thompson 2006; Verlet 1985). His spoon, fork, and knife were brought to him in a golden box. 1693, "Bosquet des trois fontaines-vue du côté" by Jean Cotelle, ca. One final attempt to solve water shortage problems was undertaken in 1685. Pumping capacity was increased via increased power and the number of pistons used for lifting the water. The construction of the room began in 1678 and finished in 1684. Before entering the King's State Apartments, one had to climb the Ambassadors Staircase - a suitable entrance as its magnificence matched the grandness of the apartments. [100][101][102] Following the November 2015 Paris attacks, President François Hollande gave a speech before a rare joint session of parliament at the Palace of Versailles. … [88] The baths were installed with hot and cold running water, at the time an exceptional technological advancement, but their primary use was for sexual trysts between the couple rather than for hygiene. 1693, "Bosquet de l'Arc de Triomphe-vue depuis la Salle basse" by Jean Cotelle, ca. The plot centres on a triangular relationship: the king, his landscape architect and garden [8], In 1662, minor modifications to the château were undertaken; however, greater attention was given to developing the gardens. Interspersed with gilt lead torchères, which supported candelabra for illumination, the Salle de Bal was inaugurated in 1683 by Louis XIV's son, the Grand Dauphin, with a dance party. Its formal title is the Public Establishment of the Palace, Museum and National Estate of Versailles Since 1995, it has been run as a Public Establishment, with an independent administration and management supervised by the French Ministry of Culture. A crowd of several thousand men and women, protesting the high price and scarcity of bread, marched from the markets of Paris to Versailles. As with the Bosquet des Trois Fontaines, this bosquet survived the modifications of the 18th century, but was replanted in 1830 at which time the fountains were removed. 18, 22; Michelin Tyre 1989, p. 182. sfn error: no target: CITEREFPérouse_de_Montclos (. Entries for 1681 and 1682 concerning the silver balustrade used in the salon de Mercure serve as an example: II. In their history, the gardens of Versailles have undergone no less than five major replantations, which have been executed for practical and aesthetic reasons. [77] Beyond the fountain, the Grand Canal extends 1800 meters to the south end of the park. The project was revived and rushed ahead for the planned celebration of the marriage of the Dauphin, the future Louis XVI, and Marie-Antoinette. Created in 1675 at the same time as the Bosquet de la Renommée, the fountain of this bosquet depicts Enceladus, a fallen Giant who was condemned to live below Mt. In the château, a suite of rooms was arranged for the use of the empress Marie-Louise, but the gardens were left unchanged, save for the disastrous felling trees in the Bosquet de l'Arc de Triomphe and the Bosquet des Trois Fontaines. The courtiers could watch as he dined. ", Lighthart, Edward. This early layout, which has survived in the so-called Du Bus plan of c.1662, shows an established topography along which lines of the gardens evolved. Invictus SARL / Alamy Stock Photo. Down a stairway from the Parterre d'Eau is the Latona Fountain, created in 1670, illustrating the story of Latona taken from the Metamorphoses of Ovid. Beyond the channel and placed at the cardinal points within the bosquet were four additional fountains. One of the most lavish was the banquet that he hosted for Queen Victoria in the Royal Opera of Versailles on August 25, 1855. Louis XIV died in 1715, and the young new King, Louis XV, just five years old, and his government were moved temporarily from Versailles to Paris under the regency of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. The wood was painted to resemble marble, and the ceiling was decorated with a painting of the Apollo, the god of the arts, preparing crowns for illustrious artists, by Louis Jean-Jacques Durameau. Bosquet de Roccailles (Salle de Bal), Versailles Located west of the Parterre du Midi and south of the Latona Fountain, this bosquet was designed by Le Nôtre and built in the early 1680s. [62], The hall was originally furnished with solid silver furniture designed by Le Brun, but these furnishings were melted down in 1689 to help pay for war expenses. Although it was designed by architect Louis Le Vau, the staircase was built by François d’Orbay and was primarily painted by Charles Le Brun. Created in 1670, this bosquet originally contained a central rectangular pool surrounded by a turf border. [36] Located in a secluded section of the garden west of the Orangerie, this bosquet was designed as an amphitheater that featured a cascade – the only one surviving in the gardens of Versailles. However, once Louis XIV began expanding the gardens with more and more fountains, supplying the gardens with water became a critical challenge. References to the greater world, such as the depiction of the twelve months of the year and the four parts of the world, circle back to Louis XIV's mentality of Versailles symbolizing supreme and divine power which in turn, reflects Louis XIV's desired depiction of his reign. In 1682, when the palace had become large enough, the king moved the entire royal court and the French government to Versailles. However, owing to the Franco-Prussian War, which toppled Napoléon III, and the Commune de Paris, replantation of the garden did not get underway until 1883 (Thompson, 2006). The link between Ovid's story and this episode from French history is emphasized by the reference to "mud slinging" in a political context. The statue that currently occupies the center of the Colonnade – the Abduction of Persephone – (from the Grande Commande of 1664) was set in place in 1696 (Marie 1968, 1972, 1976, 1984; Thompson 2006; Verlet 1985). Louis XV's care for hygiene led him to install an early water closet, imported from England, in 1738. [69], Fountain of Latona, with the Grand Canal in the background. Nolhac, an ardent archivist and scholar, began to piece together the history of Versailles, and subsequently established the criteria for restoration of the château and preservation of the gardens, which are ongoing to this day. Fountains, vases and statues adorned these little parks within the woods, where the kings would often go for walks. 1693, "Bosquet des Bains d'Apollon" by Pierre-Denis Martin (Martin le Jeune), ca. [110] In December 1689, to defray the cost of the War of the League of Augsburg, Louis XIV ordered all the silver furniture and articles of silver at Versailles – including chamber pots – sent to the mint to be melted. 259 pumps carried water up to the 530-foot (160 m) high Louveciennes Aqueduct, which fed the water into huge reservoirs at Marly-le-Roi. "Un grand pavillon d'Apollon pour Versailles: les origines du projet de Nicodème Tessin le jeun. "Ein Kascadenprojekt für Versailles. [23] The following year Louis XV ordered the demolition of the north wing facing onto the Cour Royale, which had fallen into serious disrepair. The following year, construction began on the Salle de Bal. [93], The character of the "piss boy" in Mel Brooks' film History of the World: Part 1 is based on a real job at the palace. The full citations can be found in the immediately following section. The fountains in this area all have a maritime or aquatic theme; the Pyramid Fountain is decorated with Tritons, Sirens, dolphins and nymphs. During the winter of 1774–1775, Louis XVI ordered the replanting of the gardens on the grounds that many of the trees were diseased or overgrown and needed to be replaced. The extension of the King's petit appartement necessitated the demolition of the Ambassador's Staircase, one of the most admired features of Louis XIV's palace, which left the Palace without a grand staircase entrance. Bidding closed. Originally designed by André Le Nôtre in 1661 as a salle de verdure, this bosquet contained a path encircling a central pentagonal area. [21] Louis XV remained faithful to the original plan of his great-grandfather, and made few changes to the exteriors of Versailles. What can I say when you are lucky enough to lived there for almost 10 years and worked in Paris.… Well I have come back several times and have many posts on it in my blog. ", Weber, Gerold. [92] Although discouraged, it was common for people to relieve themselves under stairways or in secluded passageways, especially if a latrine was closed. ", Friedman, Ann. Salle la création de l'académie de Peinture et de sculpture, (II) ANR.01.011, Salle du XVII, Aile du Nord - RDC, Château de Versailles, France, 2007. This presented the daunting problem to Louis XIV's engineers of how to transport water uphill over such a distance. [28], The King and Queen learned of the storming of the Bastille in Paris on July 14, 1789, while they were at the Palace, and remained isolated there as the Revolution in Paris spread. These additions were removed in 1708. (Marie, 1984; Thompson, 2006). 336–339; Maral 2010, pp. The longest of these is the main south-facing gallery, at over 500 ft. (150 meters) from end to end and 47 ft. (13 meters) in height from floor to ceiling. (Verlet 1985), By 1664, the gardens had evolved to the point that Louis XIV inaugurated the gardens with the fête galante called "Les Plaisirs de l'Île Enchantée". In her theater she played a part in one of the first performances of the play The Marriage of Figaro by Pierre Beaumarchais, which helped ensure its success. Estimates of the amount spent to build Versailles are speculative. [56], This was originally a chapel. Object history: Ancienne collection ; entré à Versailles, 3 novembre 1833 ; mentionné dans la salle du Maroc ( n°102 ), 1er étage, aile du Nord, 21 février 1963 ; puis dans la salle de Constantine ( n°103 ), 10 septembre 1964 ; exposé dans les salles du XVIIème siècle ( salle n°11 ), rez-de-chaussée, aile du Nord, mai 1965 ; puis dans la salle n°10 des salles du XVIIème siècle, 29 mai 1970 ; exposé dans … [5], In 1661, after the disgrace of the finance minister Nicolas Fouquet, who was accused by rivals of embezzling crown funds in order to build his luxurious château at Vaux-le-Vicomte, Louis XIV turned his attention to Versailles. It is this final version of the fountain that one sees today at Versailles. Trompe-l'œil paintings and sculpture around the ceiling illustrate mythological themes. The current Chairperson of the Public Establishment is Catherine Pégard. [71] The main statuary group of Latona with Diana and Apollo was created between 1668 and 1670 by the sculptor Gaspard Marsy and originally placed on a modest foundation of rocks in the middle of the basin. It is decorated with box trees and flowers in arabesque patterns. Jump to navigation Jump to search. [18] The grand stairway to the King's apartment was redecorated almost as soon as it was completed with plaques of colored marble and trophies of arms, tapestries, and balconies, so the members of the court could observe the processions of the King. The Salle de Bal was remodeled in 1707 when the central island was removed and an additional entrance was added (Marie 1968, 1972, 1976, 1984; Thompson 2006; Verlet 1985). Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest watch manufacturer in continuous production for over 260 years. In 1676, this bosquet, located to the east of the Allée des Marmousets and forming the pendant to the Bosquet des Trois Fontaines, was enlarged and redecorated along political lines that alluded to French military victories over Spain and Austria, at which time the triumphal arch was added – hence the name. The Queen's apartments and the King's Apartments were laid out on the same design, each suite having seven rooms. [64], The paintings on the ceiling display scenes depicting the three figures of the trinity. Owing to the natural cycle of replantations that has occurred at Versailles, it is safe to state that no trees dating from the time of Louis XIV are to be found in the gardens. "Charles LeBrun: Recueil des divers dessins de fontaines. Upon Louis XVI's ascension to the throne, the gardens of the Versailles underwent a transformation that recalled the fourth building campaign of Louis XIV. In 1705, this bosquet was destroyed in order to allow for the creation of the Bosquet des Bains d'Apollon, which was created to house the statues had once stood in the Grotte de Thétys. Other notable groves include Les Dômes, the Bosquet d'Encelade (after Enceladus, c. 1675), the Théâtre d'Eau (Water Theater), and the Bains d'Apollon (Baths of Apollo). "L'orangerie de Mansart à Versailles. By 1664, increased demand for water necessitated additional sources. Pruning is also done to keep trees at between 17 and 23 metres (56 to 75 feet), so as not to spoil the carefully calibrated perspectives of the gardens.[45]. Each bosquet had its own theme and fountains, statuary, grottoes, and other decoration. He succeeded in preventing further dispersing of the Grand Parc and threats to destroy the Petit Parc were abolished by suggesting that the parterres could be used to plant vegetable gardens and that orchards could occupy the open areas of the garden. It began with the original château, with the brick and stone and sloping slate mansard roofs of the Louis XIII style used by architect Philibert Le Roy. Hadouin-Mansart added a second level and two large new wings on either side of the original Cour Royale (Royal Courtyard). Mansart also built the Petites Écuries and Grandes Écuries (stables) across the Place d'Armes, on the eastern side of the château. ", Pinatel, Christine. Designed by André Le Nôtre, the Grand Canal is the masterpiece of the Gardens of Versailles. From Sotheby's, Robert Polidori, Salle de Crimée Sud, (99) ANR.02.036, Salles de l'Afrique, Aile du Nord - 1er etage, Versailles, Digital chromogenic print… [35], The end of the 19th and the early 20th century saw the beginning of restoration efforts at the Palace, first led by Pierre de Nolhac, poet and scholar and the first conservator, who began his work in 1892. Further along the east–west axis is the Bassin d'Apollon – the Apollo Fountain. The fountain forms a focal point in the garden and serves as a transitional element between the gardens of the Petit Parc and the Grand Canal. Galerie d'Eau - Galerie des Antiques - Salle des Marronniers As a result of this fête – particularly the lack of housing for guests (most of them had to sleep in their carriages), Louis realized the shortcomings of Versailles and began to expand the château and the gardens once again. [8] He decided to rebuild, embellish and enlarge the château and to transform it into a setting for both rest and for elaborate entertainments on a grand scale. The Labyrinthe contained fourteen water-wheels driving 253 pumps, some of which worked at a distance of three-quarters of a mile. Etna, being consumed by volcanic lava. ", Waltisperger, Chantal. Despite the fact that the gardens consumed more water per day than the entire city of Paris, the Machine de Marly remained in operation until 1817 (Thompson, 2006). The rest of the façade is completed with columns, painted and gilded wrought-iron balconies and dozens of stone tables decorated with consoles holding marble busts of Roman emperors.