Perspective View of
Versailles
Title on Engraving: "Vue de la Grande
Galerie de Versailles prise du Sallon de la
Paix ou l'on a supose des Portiques aulieu des
Croisees par lesquelles on voit l'Orangerie
et la Grande Pieces des Suisses"
This handcolored copperplate engraving dates
to the late 18th Century (circa 1780 or 1790).
Perspective Views (vue perspective,
vue d'optique or in German, Guckkastenblättern)
were meant to be seen with a special viewer
to enhance the three dimensional effect. They
were very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
They were designed according to strict principles
of linear perspective, with a distant object
placed in the center of the print, as is the
case with this example. Viewed through a special
"machine," the three dimensional effect
was enhanced. The colors of these wonderful
old prints are often bright and naive, as for
children's illustrations. Traveling vendors
-- who went around to fairs offering views of
the images through the Optical Machine for a
few pennies -- often did the handcoloring themselves,
so it tends to be a bit rough compared with
other period engravings. In our view this adds
to the charm of these pieces!
La Grande Galerie, also known as La
Galerie des Glaces or Hall of Mirrors is
a vast gallery 75 meters long, 10.5 meters wide,
and 12.30 meters high. It was considered the
most prestigious spot in the Chateau de Versaille
and is one of the most famous features of the
residence of the French Kings.
Construction of the Grande Galerie began in
1678 under the supervision of the architect
Jules Hardouin-Mansart and its vaulted ceilings
were then decorated by the painter Charles Le
Brun.
A later historical note; The Treaty of Versailles,
which ended the first World War, was signed
here in June 1919.
Dimensions: This image measures around
11.5 X 17 inches not incuding the attractive
hand painted antique mat, which adds around
2 inches all around to the size of the piece.
Since we are based in Switzerland, we must
add a note on the Piece des Suisses, the
long basin which can be seen through the portico,
just beyond the nobleman's looking glass --
During the late 17th Century, the Swiss Guards
dug the basis for a large pool on the grounds
of Versailles which is named after them: "La
Piece des Suisses."
More Perspective Views
