Topic > The Palace of Versailles - 1681

He designed the Hall of Mirrors, the north and south wings of the palace, the large and small stables and the royal chapel of Versailles and added a second floor. Each ceiling was detailed with different scenes representing power and absolution, the Hall of Mirrors was used as a path giving access to the King's apartment but in itself was a sight for all who passed through, it provided enough space to accommodate the courtiers in the King's daily life. Consisting of 17 mirrored arches that reflect 17 windows corresponding entirely to 357 mirrors used. The ceiling painting, created by Charles le Brun, depicts the history of the reign of Louis XIV and the war against Holland and its allies (1672-1678) and the War of Devolution (1667-1668). The central subject is entitled The King Who Rules Alone, “Louis XIV is seen face to face with the great European powers, turning away from his games and pleasures to contemplate the crown of immortality offered to him by Glory, and which is pointed out to him by Mars, the god of war. The palace is filled with paintings by many different French artists, most were done by the palace's main decorator, Charles le Brun, The Coronation of Emperor Napoleon I by Jacques Louis David and the Coronation of Josephine at Notre Dame de