What are the enclosed spaces? They’re over there

Gallery of Antiques or Water Gallery
with Narcissus gazing at his reflection in a fountain,
by Jean Joubert

Seen from the outside, the groves created by Le Nôtre only look like dense clumps of trees. When one penetrates into those enclosed spaces, everything is designed so that curiosity turns into amazement. This is what is sought in this Gallery of Antiques: beyond the fountain, on either side of the path, there are orange trees, jets of water and 24 antique statues. 17th century, Palace of Versailles.

"Plan du labirinte du dessein de monsieur Le Nôtre à Versailles", Anonymous

Since the Renaissance, the grotto and the labyrinth have been intrinsic components of gardens.At Versailles, André Le Nôtre created the Labyrinth Grove in 1666 based on an original design.However, he did not design the decor of the fountains which illustrate Aesop's fables. 17th century, Bibliothèque de l'Institut de France, Paris.

Enclosed spaces
ROOM N°7

With few flower displays, the great gardens of the 17th century gave trees renewed importance. It is probably in the fifteen groves of Versailles, enhanced throughout the reign of Louis XIV, that Le Nôtre best expressed his genius focused on "grandeur and nature". More than anywhere else, he made full use of his imagination to create exceptional water, mineral and plant sculptures. These groves were designed as places of pleasure and astonishment and were the site of extraordinary festivities whose engraved representations made the gardens of Versailles famous throughout Europe.

Crédits

© RMN-Grand Palais (Château de Versailles) / Philipp Bernard
© RMN-Grand Palais (Institut de France) / Agence Bulloz

1 Le Nôtre: the art collector 2 Training, career,
honours and achievements 3 A territory
for the art of Le Nôtre 4 LE NÔTRE
at work 5 AXES
AND VIEWPOINTS 6 Open spaces 7 Enclosed spaces 8 Heritage and modernity
of le Nôtre

Enclosed spaces

Gallery of Antiques or Water Gallery
with Narcissus gazing at his reflection in a fountain,
by Jean Joubert
Seen from the outside, the groves created by Le Nôtre only look like dense clumps of trees. When one penetrates into those enclosed spaces, everything is designed so that curiosity turns into amazement. This is what is sought in this Gallery of Antiques: beyond the fountain, on either side of the path, there are orange trees, jets of water and 24 antique statues. 17th century, Palace of Versailles.

ROOM N°7

With few flower displays, the great gardens of the 17th century gave trees renewed importance. It is probably in the fifteen groves of Versailles, enhanced throughout the reign of Louis XIV, that Le Nôtre best expressed his genius focused on "grandeur and nature". More than anywhere else, he made full use of his imagination to create exceptional water, mineral and plant sculptures. These groves were designed as places of pleasure and astonishment and were the site of extraordinary festivities whose engraved representations made the gardens of Versailles famous throughout Europe.