The French Pavilion 2009. Photo by Stefan of ArchitectDesign™
The French Pavilion (le pavillon français) which now stands as the central gem of the Petit Trianon’s formal French Gardens was actually completed in 1750, a few years prior to the building of the Petit Trianon itself.
Designed by the Louis XV’s chief architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel at the instigation of Madame Pompadour this miniature palace was intended as a summer gaming/dining room. Thirty years later, Marie Antoinette would also use it for private concerts given by lantern light.
The main salon is octagonal with an inlaid marble floor and is surrounded by four cabinets in a cruciform arrangement. The walls are gilded with cherubs highlighting each entrance. Cherubs & birds are also featured on the circular cornice which is supported by eight Corinthian columns. Four arched French doors provide light, exterior views and access
French Pavilion Floor Plan from Views and Plans of the Petit Trianon at Versailles
The cabinets are each unique according to their purpose. Three of the cabinets (boudoir, café & wash closet and antichamber) can be entered from the main salon. The fourth cabinet, originally the kitchen and therefore the domain of the staff, is partitioned off from main salon. Each cabinet contains two exterior French doors as well as a set of casement windows.
I had an absolutely wonderful time studying and then re-creating this magical pavilion in Second Life® as you can see in Petit Trianon: The French Pavilion SL.
I was inspired and aided by Stefan's The French Pavilion as well as Views and Plans of the Petit Trianon Versailles and Marie-Antoinette and the Last Garden at Versailles.
Petit Trianon: The French Pavilion RL by Tatiana Dokuchic on 2011-10-02
Designed by the Louis XV’s chief architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel at the instigation of Madame Pompadour this miniature palace was intended as a summer gaming/dining room.
Designed by the Louis XV’s chief architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel at the instigation of Madame Pompadour this miniature palace was intended as a summer gaming/dining room.
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Thank you for the work you have done to allow me to see the beauty of the French architecture without being there. You are very talented.
ReplyDeleteTony Prozzoly
My pleasure, Tony. Thank you for the kind words. It's wonderful to be able to share that beauty.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting. I really like this building. Good job.
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