From Versailles To Australia: Treasures From The Palace

Journeying to Australia are a collection of paintings, furniture, sculptures and tapestries, alongside French art from the 17th and 18th Centuries that have adorned the palace interiors and grounds for centuries. The exhibition, elegantly titled Versailles: Treasures from the Palace, is a once in a lifetime opportunity opening in early December 2016, and will be on display for four months.
Amongst the treasures travelling to Australia are the personal effects of Louis XIV, the King of France – from 1643 until 1715 – who transformed and expanded the family’s hunting lodge into the Palace of Versailles known today. A marble bust of Louis XIV created by Jean Varin will accompany the silk and wool tapestry, and delicate marquetry jewel coffer by Martin Carlin to Australia. Other effects of the King include a golden reliquary belonging to his mother and a 1.5 tonne Carrara marble statue of the goddess Latona and her children – originally a centrepiece seen in the main fountain of the ground’s gardens.

Known for her phrase ‘Let them eat cake’, Marie Antoinette – the wife of Louis XIV – commissioned the Petit Hameau at Versailles, creating a fairytale village that people can still visit today. Featuring lakes, gardens, watermills, a farmhouse and cottages, Marie would spend lots of her time down there. Accompanying Louis XIV’s belongings are some of Marie’s from both her utopia and the iconic palace itself. Some of these possessions include her personal china, a hand-crafted chair and harp, her porcelain collection, and a formal portrait of this idolised woman.

A big move for both, it is important for Versailles and the National Gallery of Australia to portray their willingness to see and support more of the world.
‘Versailles: Treasures from the Palace’ will be on display at the NGA from 9 December 2016 until 17 April 2017.
Parkes Pl, Parkes ACT 2600