Avatar: TatianaDokuchic Varriale
VW: Second Life
Location: Ottawa, ON
Country: CA
VW: Second Life
Location: Ottawa, ON
Country: CA
Petit Trianon: The Queen's Theatre
The plain facades and the little entrance of the edifice contrasted with the ravishing interior of the building in shades of gold and blue. Apollo with the Graces and the Muses, a painting by the artist Lagrene, decorated the ceiling. Deschamps was responsible for the sculptures and the bas-reliefs. However, to save some money and to mollify the impatience of Marie-Antoinette, all sculptures were in papier-mch. From floor to ceiling, everything was painted in trompe l'oeil.
from Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden at Versailles by Cristian Duvernois
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How fortunate we are that thisgem managed to survive the revolution, more or lessintact, as the mob considered itto be of little value. As with Marie Antoinette's Private Apartments in Versailles , The Queen's Theatre was a collaboration between Marie Antoinette& Richard Mique .Built in 1780 and located on the grounds of the Petit Trianon,itfollowedthe social trend started by Madame Pompadourthat sawsmall, private theatresadorning large country estates.
The Queen, an enthusiastic performer since her childhood, enlisted family& friends as her castmates while the King was reportedly a very keen member of the audience. Plays were performed andoperas were sung; the joys of the simple, country life oftendictating the theme. It was a theme which Marie Antoinette would also persuein building the Queen's Hamlet adjacent to the Petit Trianon as sheexpanded herromantic role of the comely peasant girl from the stage furtherinto her real life.
Continue readingon Tatiana's Tea Room - Petit Trianon: The Queen's Theatre .
Fantastic! When I visited Versailles back in 2006 many buildings the Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon and parts of the Chateau were under renovation. I hope to return someday soon and tour the rest!
It's amazing luck that thetheaterwas left untouched. It offers a glimpse into the queen's private world. While the bedchamber of the palaces, were open, and were expected to show the splendor a french queen, I always found the little buildings built by the orders of Marie Antoinette, as well as her private apartments, true gems. They reflect not only the taste of the queen, but they also reflect the best forms of architecture of the time, the best styles, the bestdecorations, and skills. Theytrulyemphasize the idea of "grandiose" and "Luxurious".
Sorry for the tardy replies but somehow these comments got stuck in moderation and I didn't see them until now- go figure - lol.
@Duc de la Vauguyon: It is amazing!! Since they thought the theatre was of little worth it's pieces were not auctioned off or stolen during the revolution. What a treasure for us today.
Like you say, those little rooms do reflect the best of architecture. Marie Antoinette and Madame Pompadour both had excellent taste and knew just how to get the best out of the finestcraftsmen of their time!
@Joan: Yes, I understand that the renovations have been extensive. It would be a wonderful time to (re)visit!