The document discusses the historical and cultural significance of the Château de Versailles, originally a royal hunting lodge that became the residence of Louis XIV. It describes the architectural styles used in its interior design, primarily baroque and rococo, as well as events surrounding the French Revolution. The document also touches on post-revolutionary usage by figures such as Napoleon, noting changes made to the palace for his empress.

1. Le Ch âteau de Versailles Chronicling Versailles’ historical and cultural significance, as well as the historical events and figures that passed through its many doors

2. Versailles began as a convenient resting spot for royal hunting parties passing through the area. However, Louis XIV began using it as his permanent residence and brought about the palace’s first building campaign with the Plaisirs de L’Île fête of 1664. Above and below are artistic adaptations of the castle’s changes from the front and back. The gardens were enlarged to accommodate the party’s 600 guests. Above is a view of the gardens as there are manicured today.

3. Interior Design Versailles was decorated mainly in two interior design styles: baroque and rococo. Baroque is an imposing design style that has a dramatic means of expressing triumph, power and control. It attempts to leave occupants in awe, using different design techniques, such as high windows, wide benches, domed ceilings and grandiose chandeliers (see picture on left). Rococo is a softer interior design style, intended to give an inviting and intimate feel. It focuses on prettiness and elegance in furniture, like small sculptures and ornamental mirrors. It also uses many detailed patterns on tapestry, drapery and wallpaper to achieve a decorative effect. (see above)

4. A view of the castle at different angles, from inside, and with the gardens.

5. Brief overview of French Revolution Period of political and social upheaval – government (absolute monarchy) underwent radical change to bring about Enlightened principles of nationalism, citizenship and indisputable rights Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were the rulers at the time (were killed) Bread shortage led to angry French mobs Many people died by the guillotine Maximilian Robespierre perpetuated all the violence with his journalism, and later thought he was a deity. And then was killed.

6. Marie Antoinette Kirsten Dunst in Sophia Coppola’s film, Marie Antoinette , which was shot in Versailles

7. People who like Versailles vs. People who do not (estimation)

8. Napoleon did not stay at Versailles himself, but he did have some of the palace’s apartments arranged and decorated for the empress, Marie-Louise. Many paintings and pieces of artwork were taken from French museums to hang in Versailles.

9. Different Palaces and How Pretty They Are (estimation)

10. Pictures Cited (in order of appearance) Works cited http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/13819 http://allgoodphotos.blogspot.com/2008/07/gardens-of-versailles.html http://paris-photo.esem.sk/paris-photo.php?photo=versaille-garden http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/lynnbuddystevens/other%2520stuff/Versailles203.jpg http://www.rouillac.com/images/cheverny2003/Versailles.jpg http://www.theatre.ubc.ca/dress_decor/baroque_rococo_arch_rococo.htm http://www.destination360.com/caribbean/bahamas/versailles-gardens.php http://www.visitingdc.com/paris/versailles-palace-picture.asp http://kimmallari.multiply.com/journal/item/255 http://annika.mu.nu/archives/221840.html http://movies.nytimes.com/2006/10/13/movies/13mari.html http://schneiderhome.blogspot.com/2008/08/quote-of-day-napoleon-edition.html http://www.georgianindex.net/Napoleon/king_rome/kr_cradle.html http://www.georgianindex.net/Napoleon/king_rome/kr_cradle.html#TOP http://www.theatre.ubc.ca/dress_decor/baroque_rococo_intro.htm