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A Set of Four French Engravings of Versailles,1714 browse these categories for related items... Directory: Antiques: Decorative Art: Mixed Media: Pre 1800: item # 1078924 Please refer to our stock # CA.5.JM.CS when inquiring.
Chicora Antiques, Inc. 518 Autumn Circle Columbia, South Carolina 29206 1-803-834-3787 Guest Book $8800. the set |
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| "A Very Rare set of Four Folio Edition Engravings of The Gardens of Fountains of Versailles, published by Gile De Mortain, 1714" Taken from the book "Les Plans, Profils, Et Elevations des Ville et Chateau de Versailles", these rare folio edition engravings, now framed in shadow box form, display the beauty, opulence, and extreme extravagance of the French King Louis XIV when he built the the Palace of Versailles of the the late seventeenth century. These DeMortain engravings were published during the years 1714-1715, which mark the end of the life of Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, and represent the most complete record of the gardens of their height during his reign. The fountains at Gardens of Versailles were begun as early as 1662 and played a pivotal role as a central focal point for each garden there, demonstrating man's power and control over the forces of nature, as they did not fall as gravity dictated, but were hydraulically powered by Italian engineers and shot into the sky forming various shapes, sometimes combined with fireworks and music. Although the Gardens of Versailles eventually contained dozens of fountains, this set shows two of the most important there, each of which were centerpieces. Eventually, there were, in fact, so many fountains that is was impossible for them all to function at once, so as Louis XIV promenaded, often in the early evening or after midnight by carriage drawn by a team of horses given to him by the Duke of Tuscany, the fountain workers turned them on ahead of him and his entourage, and turned them off as they moved to the next. Each of these engravings are dated 1714 and have been professional hand colored at a later date. The engravings themselves measure 25 7/8" by 20". The overall frames are 39" by 33 1/2". All contain a crease in the middle and are in remarkable condition with no significant tears. THE SET INCLUDES (ONE SHOWN) "Bassin de Neptue" (Plate29) "Fontaine de Latone" (Plate #28) L'Arc de Triomphe" (Plate #27) "Fontaine de L'Encelade" (Plate #33) | ||
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