Construction of the Château de Versailles

historical

The Chteau de Versailles, a 17th-century palace built by Louis XIV, was the principal residence of the kings of France and the seat of the government for more than 100 years. The first scenes of the French Revolution were also enacted at the palace, whose gardens, the masterpiece of André Le Nôtre, have become part of the national heritage of France and one of the most visited historic sites in Europe. Although it was a place of entertainment, the grandiose palace was also well equipped as a centre of government.

Loading map…

Construction of the Château de Versailles

About the Artist

Adam Frans van der Meulen

1632 – 1690

Flemish painter and tapestry designer. He moved to Paris in 1664, became an assistant to Le Brun and was made one of Louis XIV court painters, specializing in military scenes. He accompanied the king on his campaigns, and his paintings and designs for Gobelins tapestries are accurate historical documents of the battles which they represent. His work of this type is well represented in Versailles. He also made much less grandiose pictures of such subjects as hunting parties and landscapes.

View all works →