The History of Serenade Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors is one of the crown achievements of the Chateau de Versailles. First built as Louis XIII’s hunting lodge, the French palace was expanded by his son Louis XIV in 1682. He brought his court and government to the site and added the Hall of Mirrors as part of the Grand Apartments of the king and queen. A backdrop for numerous historical events, serenades and other important court events were held there.
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Building
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Jules Hardouin-Mansart, 1646 to 1708, was the architect behind the Hall of Mirrors, which was originally called the Great Gallery, or Grande Galerie. Parts of the king and queen's rooms and terrace were surrendered to make space for the hall. Charles Le Brun, 1619 to 1690, who was the king's official painter, was responsible for decorating the hall with busts of Roman emperors, marble sculptures and trompe-l’oeil paintings.
Royal Events
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Created to impress visitors, Louis XIV's throne was placed in the archway opening into the Salon of Peace at the end of the Hall of Mirrors to receive political dignitaries. He met the Doge of Genoa there on May 5, 1685, the ambassador to the King of Siam in 1686 and ambassadors from Persia in 1715. Later, the Treaty of Versailles was signed there in June 1919.
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Serenade
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During the winter months in the first part of his reign, the king turned the hall into extravagant entertainments for his guests. Candles were seen as a luxury and the hall was so well-lit at night that visitors were struck by its brightness. Lavish receptions were conducted there with dancing, games and serenades. Royal weddings and balls were also held in the hall. Today, the Versailles museum hosts royal serenades to help modern visitors relive the opulence of King Louis XIV. At the summer evening events guests listen to baroque musicians and watch fireworks displays in the gardens.
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References
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