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FORTIER, Claude-François (1775-1835) after COURVOISIER
Vue du Chateau de Versailles, du côté des Jardins
Paris: Published by chez Basset, circa 1800. Hand-coloured engraving heightened with touches of gum arabic. Printed on laid paper. Very good condition apart from some overall light soiling and minor foxing, two skillfully repaired small tears in the top margin, a couple of mild water stains in the left margin, and a few tiny nicks at the edges of the sheet. Plate mark: 13 5/8 x 18 1/4 inches. Sheet size: 16 3/8 x 22 inches.
A stunning view of the impressive grand facade of the chateau of Versailles as seen from the garden.
Originally a modest hunting lodge built by King Louis XIII in 1623, Versailles was transformed into one of the largest and most extravagant palaces in the world during the reign of Louis XIV (1643-1715). Also known as the self-professed Sun King, Louis XIV wanted to remodel Versailles so that it adequately symbolized his absolute power as monarch. He enlisted the services of architects Jules Hardouin-Mansart (1646-1708), Louis Le Vau (1612-1670), and Charles Le Brun (1619-1690), and the extensive project of expansion and renovation commenced in 1661. The landscape architect André Le Notre (1613-1700) was responsible for redesigning the chateau's luxuriant park. In 1682, Versailles became the Sun King's official residence.
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#14539 $750.00 
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© 2002-2005 Donald A. Heald
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