Importance of Versailles
The Royal Palace of Louis XIV Served Many Purposes
Few symbols of France can match the magnificence that is Versailles. Located a short drive from Paris, the vast estate is “the symbol of monarchy at its peak,” according to journalist Milena Pozzoli. French historian Pierre Goubert states that at its zenith, under King Louis XIV, Versailles represented a “mixture of work and play, splendor and filth, piety and license.” Its importance in history transcended the long reign of the “Sun King,” even into the 20th Century.
The Village of Versailles
Louis XIV moved into Versailles in May 1682. The structure began as a modest hunting lodge used by King Louis XIII. The land was undeveloped and marshy. In 1668, Louis XIV began the immense project that would continue throughout his lifetime and consume huge sums taken from the national treasury. Almost 40,000 laborers were employed to construct Europe’s most iconic palace.
Versailles became the “model” for royal residences throughout Europe. After Peter the Great visited Paris during his European “Embassy,” he resolved to build a palace as grand, if not grander. Peterhof on the Gulf of Finland is a testament to that vision. Likewise, Frederick the Great’s Sans Souci palace in Potsdam was inspired by Versailles.
During the reign of Louis XIV, the tiny village of Versailles grew to 45,000 inhabitants. The palace estate was itself surrounded by a 25-mile wall, enclosing 8,000 hectares. The original law that no building could be taller than the palace is still in effect today. Everyday over 10,000 courtiers and nobles sat down to dinner in the halls of Versailles.
Purpose of Versailles
Louis never forgot his flight from Paris as a young child during the time of the Fronde when rebellious nobles threatened the security of the monarchy. French history is replete with stories of intriguing nobles. Although many nobles remained on their country estates, tending to business, thousands of nobles of various ranks lived and worked at Versailles.
The king kept them busy with concerts, hunting, gaming, parties, and other diversions. The Sun King was completely public. Nobles clamored for his ear, hoping for royal patronage. From rising until retiring to sleep, the royal bedchamber was crowded with those seeking favors. In the Ministerial wing, affairs of state were conducted while the vast gardens, immaculately kept, were the scene of illicit romance and intrigue.
The Hall of Mirrors, built by Francois Mansart between 1678 and 1687, is a marvel of architecture, beauty, and intimidation. Catherine the Great of Russia attempted to copy it in the Summer Palace outside of St. Petersburg. At Versailles, foreign ambassadors walked from the south end of the hall to the north where Louis would be waiting.
The symbolism of the Hall of Mirrors was never lost. In January 1871, adding to the humiliation of French defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, Chancellor Otto von Bismarck proclaimed the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors.
Versailles after Louis XIV
The palace was looted during the years of the French Revolution. Several attempts at restoration took place in the 19th Century, but full restoration did not begin in earnest until after World War I. Following that war, Versailles was identified with the famous treaty bearing its name that ended the Great War.
Louis’ great palace is today a museum. The gardens, still featuring the hundreds of statues commissioned by the king, are visited daily by over 20,000 people. The fountains and floral arrangements have been referred to as one of Europe’s largest open-air museums.
Versailles is the symbol of Absolute Monarchy, identified with the reign of Louis XIV. Yet it also reflected the balance Louis attempted to follow that permitted the nobility a degree of independence, thus avoiding direct confrontation.
Sources:
- Pierre Goubert, Louis XIV and Twenty Million Frenchmen (Vintage Books, 1970)
- Milena Pizzoli, “The Royal Palace of Versailles,” Royal Palaces, M. Morelli, Editor (Barnes & Noble, 2004)
- Author’s visit to Versailles, 2001, 2004, and 2007.
Royal Chapel in Versailles
|
What do you think about this article?
More in History
Latest Articles