VERSAILLES'S PARK AND FURNISHINGS CONSTANTLY CHANGE
The grotto of Thetys, built 1676, demolished in 1684 when the palace is enlarged:
- Fireworks in a garden, which he later demolishes.
- Watching destruction amuses the court:
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| Relation du Grand Divertissement de 1688 by Andre Félibien, archives / zoom |
After their Majesties had been for a time in that charming spot and that the Ladies had had their refreshment, the King left the tables to those that followed, and the destruction of such a beautiful arrangement was an entertainment agreeable to the entire Court, by the eagerness and turmoil of those who demolished the chateau of marzipan and mountains of jam. (My trans., bold added)
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Thousands of trees are uprooted and replanted. Thousands of hothouse flowers are planted every day. Two million flowerpots circulate. Ten thousand tulips are imported from Holland and planted at night, to surprise the courtisans when they wake.
Gone from the web
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Decor includes tapestries, monumental silver and priceless silks: Before the king settles in Versailles they are carried with him from chateau to chateau, but when he is established there they are renewed twice a year.
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Louis XIV receives the Doge of Genoa, 1685 (detail) / zoom |
When the marquise de Montespan's pet bear destroys those in a salon, Louis says nothing.
Waste is a resource.
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