Last Name 1

Student’s Name

Professor’s Name

Course Number

Date

Q1. When and why was Versailles constructed?

King Louis XII established a hunting lodge around 1629, which was substituted by a

brick and stone castle around 1634. King Louis XIV acquired this small castle and, in 1666, the

sovereign undertook on a major construction project which soon built the Palace of Versailles.

The initial hunting lodge was designed because of the prolific game of the area, the King Louis

XIII did fall in love with this land and the roaming wild animals as the king used the visit the

place to avoid the stress of royalty. The real palace of Versailles was constructed to inspire, King

Louis XIV needed a venue for the French court to meet and converse, so Versailles was

constructed.

Q2. What was the purpose of the Grand Trianon? Marie Antoinette's Estate? How do they

differ from the Palace?

Marie Antoinette's estate or also recognized as the Petit Trianon was constructed in 1768,

which offered privacy to Louis XV and his mistress, 'Comtesse Du Barry'. In reality, the royal

home was an expansion of the king's affection for botanical science. While, King Louis XVI

provided the "Petit Trianon" to Marie Antoinette, who was having difficulties adjusting to life in

court. Both Marie Antoinette’s estate and Grand Trianon are distinct from the palace as they

were both built for more personal moments, showcasing architectural highlights and majestic

gardens whose richness and adornments give it a special charm.

 Last Name 2

Q3. What specific part of the estate most intrigues or interests you? Be specific (name a

specific spot or room) and then provide details about it and why you chose it.

The Hall of Mirrors is by far the most fascinating aspect of the house. The room's length

is 73 m and gives tribute to France's diplomatic, economic and creative performance. Political

achievements are demonstrated by the 30 paintings on the "vaulted ceiling of Le Brun",

portraying the triumphant history of Louis XIV throughout the initial Eighteen years of his rule. I

choose this hall as I am a big buff for the history of the United States, and this is the location

where the Treaty of Versailles was agreed, finishing the First World War. Since that day, the

Leaders of the Republic have proceeded to welcome official visitors. It is a display of diplomacy.

Q4. Under the separate link for people/characters at Versailles- what individual besides

Louis XIV did you find the most interesting to learn about? Why? be specific?

I felt that studying about Marie Leszczynska was perhaps the most fascinating since the

Queen dedicated her time to the nun she joined in the city of Versailles for the schooling of poor

girls. Moreover, I also think that it was intriguing, that she was progressively deserted by Louis

XV for her new mistresses, then she started became progressively pious and gave her assistance

to numerous charitable works, which included helping to expand dedication to the "Sacred

Heart".

Q5. Under the link for people at Versailles, read about some of the Court People who lived

at Versailles during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI. Keep in mind Louis XV had 10

children, many of whom lived to adulthood and lived most of their adult lives at the Palace.

There are also mistresses, etc. Now like Question #4 choose one person that most intrigued

or interested you from each of the periods of the 2 kings and tell why you chose them.
 Last Name 3

From the period of King Louis, the XV, I find it most fascinating to read about Madame

Du Barry. It's because I've been watching a movie regarding Madame Du Barry lately and

hearing about her upbringing. Moreover, she is one of the very few royal kids to survive the

"French Revolution". Also, I think it is fascinating that initially she was punished for execution

by those revolutionaries, but the penalty was commuted to lifelong exile. I selected her as I think

she was a courageous young woman, in 1973 she endured the loss of her parents. Despite all the

depression at the beginning of her life, she managed to succeed and relocated to the court of

"Emperor Francis II in Vienna".

Q6. Under the section on the king's daily life - what part of daily court life, meals, etiquette,

etc. most stands out to you and why?

From sunset to sunrise, the King's everyday life was very tiring, and I believe the most

unusual would be his 1 pm routine of eating all alone in his bedroom, sitting at the table viewing

the curtains. That's also because I would have thought that a king with his rank would like to be

accompanied by the members with his court at lunchtime. If not, certainly with his whole family.

Q7. What does Louis XIV's daily regimen tell you about how he ruled and his power?

Because of the strictness of his regular regiment, it demonstrates that he will be rigid in

governing his realm and applying rules to his people. Since there were still so many people

surrounding him, it reflected the influence he had during the members of his court. You may

presume that the same control over others has been turned over to the citizens of his country.

Q8. What happened at the famous "Yew Tree Ball"? And respond to the description of the

Marriage of the Dauphin to Marie Antoinette?

 Last Name 4

The masked guests were seen at the famed "Yew Tree Ball" who arrived without invites

and assembled in the famous Hercules Room, where about 1,500 individuals were

enthusiastically waiting for the gates of King's State to open to indicate the beginning of the ball.

Soon, eight yew trees emerged. The ladies were all grouped around the enigmatic figures and

were all confused regarding which of the masked individuals was the King. The ball was hosted

in the renowned mirrors hall, and I think it's disturbing to believe that my soon-to-be king or

husband will use our wedding day as a chance to search for a new wife.

Q9. Okay as a certified chocoholic I have to ask - what was the role of chocolate at

Versailles and when was it introduced?

In 1615, 'Chocolate' was created in France for the wedding of Louis XIII and "Anne of

Austria" to Bayonne. Throughout the rule of Louis XIV, who popularized eating in the Court,

Versailles became, in all its various ways, a standard characteristic of the cuisine. That being

said, a century later, it was Louis XV who was assumed to be the most addicted of that drink

Q10. How does the complex at Versailles epitomize Louis XIV and his absolute rule?

The Versailles complex is a huge luxury palace. It's indeed full of beautiful sculptures,

buildings, and a landscape of symmetry within its complex. For example, the grand framework is

a prime example of the great personality of the King. The luxurious painting was used to reflect

the King's achievements as he gained prosperity throughout his life, depicting it on the different

walls of the palace. The king's life was as designed as his palace, and he was an enthusiast of

different art which intrigued him, as one can see in the artwork shown outside and within the

palace. He was "adamite" about showing his money, and he accomplished this by constructing a

palace and asking his court to dress up according to such events. He governed stiffly, duplicating

his life as well as courtiers.