Splendor, magnificence, extravagance, unique design and artistry, these are the words that come to mind when you visit the National Gallery of Australia’s current exhibition Versailles: Treasures from the Palace now in Canberra. This wonderfully curated exhibition invites us to glimpse the art de vivre that has vanished in the mists of time. A rare opportunity to be seized if you can.
Marie-Antoinette by Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun Photograph: GRACIE
Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud Photograph GRACIE
Paintings, tapestries, furniture, statues and personal items from Louis XIV to Marie-Antoinette are brought together to give us a glimpse of the opulent life and fashions of this time. You can expect to be dazzled by such stunning items as this amazing jewellery casket with inlaid porcelain from the Royal Porcelain Factory of Sèvres. It’s beautifully elegant!
Jewellery casket with inlaid porcelain from the Royal Porcelain Factory of Sèvres. Photograph GRACIE
Equally captivating is the Marie-Antoinette’s harp with exquisite carving.
Jean-Henri Naderman harp owned by Marie-Antoinette Photograph: GRACIE
The exhibition features a fabulous display and easily understood information relating to the architecture, the garden and fountain designs and mechanisms (fascinating) and a wonderful collection of etchings depicting the life at Court. Don’t miss these!
Marble statue of Latona and her Children which forms the centre piece of the Latona Founding on the main access to the Versailles Gardens Photograph: GRACIE
The monkey and his little ones. Painted lead. Gardens at Versailles Photograph: GRACIE
A real eye catcher is an elegant bird cage that belonged to Madame du Barry for her pet parrot which was trained to utter: “La voilà la belle comtesse!” (Here comes the beautiful lady) every time she appeared!
Bird cage embossed with the arms of Madame du Barry Photograph: GRACIE
A glittering piece is this reliquary of Queen Marie-Theresa. It is absolutely stunning.
Queen Marie-Therese reliquary 1665-74 gilded bronze, silver, paint of vellum Photograph GRACIE
Important objects in the exhibition are the two great tapestries from the Gobelins factory and a magnificent Savonnerie carpet. A room is dedicated to this display which also features 6 fascinating bronze vases commissioned by Louis XIV with fascinating motifs drawn from mythology. Great detail
Gobelin tapestry and Savonnerie carpet on display Photograph: NGA Website
Bronze vase with fauns and chimeras. Photograph GRACIE
If you plan to go to the exhibition with children be sure to visit the NGA Play area where there’s an amazing program of activities that bring Versailles to life. It’s sure to be a winner with children of all ages.
The gallery shop is overflowing with temptations too!
Further details of the exhibition and booking are available by clicking here