Lucy and I had a long and exhausting day today, spending some 12 1/2 hours on a trip to Versailles.
This shot shows one of the many hundreds of sculptures in the parkland there. What can I say - the huge wealth required to create this wonderful parkland and the Palace and other buildings on the site is simply overwhelming. It's easy to understand why the French Revolution occurred when royalty live in such opulence and the mass of the population in poverty.
This shot shows part of the Fountain of Apollo. A pond was dug on the site of the fountain in 1639 called "The Pond of the Swans". When King Louis XIV had it enlarged in 1671, the pond's east-west orientation and the common association of the King with Apollo prompted Le Brun to suggest dedicating the site to Apollo. The dawn theme was popular at the time and appears on some painted ceilings in European palaces. The fountain was constructed between 1668 and 1671. The gilded statue was made by Tuby of Rome.
Sorry we haven't commented on your photos today. We will catch up tomorrow, but we are far too tired to do it now!
Great shot of this amazing statuary and fountain at Versailles. I have been there several times a long time ago and fully understand your comment about the expense involved in the construction of this place. No wonder the French people revolted!
I hope you will forgive the collective thank you, but Lucy and I are still recovering from our long day at Versailles. All your comments are much appreciated. For anyone interested, I've added a few details about this sculpture in my introduction
I hope you will forgive the collective thank you, but Lucy and I are still recovering from our long day at Versailles. All your comments are much appreciated. For anyone interested, I've added a few details about this sculpture in my introduction
Ian
Thank you Ferry - there were some beautiful things to see there!
Ian
Thank you Bruni - apparently there are over 300 statues in the gardens!
Ian
Thank you Kathy - we had a wonderful time there!
Ian