Chateau de Versailles, la garde robe de Louis XVI. The ultimate masterpiece of the ancient regime. Hidden within the exquisite carvings, little graffiti referring to the latest scientific discoveries of the time. As The World of Interiors didn't reproduce them (a bit unfortunate I thought), here they are.
"Keeping the lid on" in an explosive age of discovery - not confined, of course, to the last monarch, but all gathering prolifically and remorselessly, often with the crown's own sponsorship... The historian of politics as well as of ideas follows these incredibly revealing and pertinent testimonies with enormous excitement: to think of this chart of the tides, being inscribed on the walls of the captain's own cabin. So many must have seen it at the time.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be so prosaic when a remark on decoration would be more amiable, but what an experience! I'd have trembled to have taken these pictures.
Brav-effing-o.
oh but you are right. It goes far beyond decoration. All of Versailles does.
ReplyDeleteIvan, I just read the past two posts. So complicated and so sad, life can be. And what a life you have had, rich indeed, barefooted.The beautiful paintings and drawings really pulled me in. Thanks for the adventure.
ReplyDeleteStunningly beautiful - thank you for sharing them here.
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing these little details. I find this interesting.
ReplyDeletefortunately we have the inside track to the artist's portfolio. thank you for bringing them to us. pgt
ReplyDeleteYou have captured the Boiserie beautifully! I love the gold leaf & cream white background
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