Chateau De Versailles

The restored Hall of Mirrors revealed to the public
27 june 2007

Le Brun's masterpiece rehabilitated
Following three years of work made possible by the Vinci group's patronage, the restored Hall of Mirrors has been revealed the public. Throughout the work of restoration the Hall remained partially open to visitors thanks to a specially conceived display design accompanied by informational supports. In addition to Jules Hardouin-Mansart's sumptuous architectural decor, visitors to the 357-mirror Hall can admire 1000m² of painted and sculpted decorations by Charles Le Brun, first painter to the king, who here produced a major work of art until now forgotten by art history. These decorations essentially laud Louis XIV's political activities by depicting the king's military victories but likewise his contributions to domestic policy (prohibiting duelling, reforming the judicial system etc). For the first time in this type of decoration the king himself is portrayed in context, although at that time the rule was to use mythological figures to represent royal attributes.
Hall of Mirrors