Versailles: The Great and Hidden Splendours of the Sun King's Palace

by PEGARD CATHERINE

Versailles is one of the most photographed places in the world. Yet masses of tourists make it virtually impossible to imagine the splendor of the palace as it existed from the time of Louis XIV, the Sun King, in the 17th century, until the fall of Napoleon III in 1870. Now, four talented photographers were granted unlimited access to Versailles when the château was closed to visitors, and their work allows privileged access not only to the private suites of Louis XV, the boudoirs of Marie-Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour, the celebrated Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, the charming Orangerie, and Marie Antoinette’s bucolic Hamlet, but also to mysterious chambers and hushed apartments never normally seen. Captions describe daily life at Versailles and the momentous events that have taken place there, all published in a sumptuous oversize format befitting its majestic subject.
 

Genres: History, Art, Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

Published June 28, 2017

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can only describe this book as artistic. The "details" of Versailles are what's displayed on these panoramic style pages. Gorgeous photography of rooms, cabinet knobs, tapestries, wig boxes, paneling carvings, busts, etc., etc. You get the idea. Everything conveys the opulence and lavishness of the Palace. The extravagance borders on the obscene but I guess that's exactly what makes it the marvel it still is today.

If you're looking for a history on the construction of Versailles or want in depth information on the subject, this is not the book for you. This is coffee table format, exquisite photography with light reading below each photo to provide background or descriptions of what the reader is viewing. You feel reverence turning the pages, viewing the rooms and artifacts of the palace as if on a private tour.

You close the book understanding why the French coffers were emptied for this project. You also can't help but be blown away by the extraordinary craftsmanship and splendor of Versailles. It's incroyable! A truly grand and resplendent masterpiece and this book points out many details that might be overlooked on a real life tour.

Owning a copy will cost a pretty penny but that seems apropos considering the subject is Versailles!!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The quality of the photos and the book in general is very good, it's actually much better than what you might actually see surrounded by throngs of tourists and limited information available for each room.

I visited Versailles when I was 16 and I *could* have sworn there were more rooms open to the public than they are now. I distinctly remember being there for at least 6 hours and the ceilings were all painted (now some of them are blank) and I also recall having been able to go upstairs as well, whereas now in 2022 only the groundfloor was open to visitors.

So, in a sense I was really disappointed to see it now, however this book made up for the disappointment and it provided me with more insight than I had before.

[John Kissane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Large collection of photographs of Versailles, mostly interiors. The brief captions contain helpful information, but the real glory is in the pictures, which, taken in those hours when the palace is empty of crowds, are often revelatory and sometimes transporting; at times, leafing through, you feel like you’re there: in the palace, and in the past.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the quality of photos are superb. The information for each picture stating the items, who it was done by, the history and everything else in between is excellent.
Even if you never physically set foot in Versailles you feel like you’re there with this book. Magnificent.

[Rissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best way to *see* Versailles.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed every photo - lots of view of interiors and details of design for fabrics, wall-coverings, furniture, dishes and of course paintings.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent book.

[Manny Villa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect companion to remember your visit to the home of the Sun King.