Support VersaillesProjects to be funded

The Cabinet of the Meridian, located on the first floor in the middle of the Palace, is undoubtedly the most captivating room in the Private apartment of Marie Antoinette. It is a small, charming and refined, octagonal-shaped boudoir. The name “Meridian” seems to indicate its particular use during the midday hours.
The current decor was created in 1781 according to drawings by Richard Mique. The woodwork by the Rousseau brothers and splendid bronzes surrounding the mirrors on the doors are rich in symbols: of the queen (the eagle of Austria) or the king (eagle symbol of Jupiter), love (rosebush stems with hearts with arrows through them), marriage (peacocks, attributes of Juno the goddess of marriage) or maternity (dolphins).
The ironwork of a fineness comparable to that of jewellery-making, the red Campan marble chimney, the George Jacob armchairs, the gilded bronze pedestal table, all these elements testify to the extreme fineness of this intimate place.

Today, the decor, one of most exquisite of those created for the Queen, is rather faded in comparison to its original splendour.
The room will be entirely dismantled in order to restore the bronzes, woodwork and wooden floor and install technical equipment (lighting, fire safety, etc.). The old gilding will be cleaned and the “royal white” distemper painting redone according to 18th century methods.

Estimated budget: €800,000
Duration of the renovations: 18 months