The Architecture and Landscape Biennale is an ideal opportunity to discover one of the most magnificent stores of sculptures from the Palace of Versailles and the Louvre Museum in the Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery, a spectacular mineral space designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, First Architect to Louis XIV.
From 4th May to 13th July Spotlight on the sculpture and mouldings gallery
© EPV / Thomas Garnier
The exhibition
The Sculptures and Mouldings Gallery houses two exceptional collections: a huge series of mouldings ranging from the 17th to the 20th century from the mouldings library of the Department of Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities of the Louvre Museum, as well as sixty marble sculptures from the Gardens of Versailles, 17th century masterpieces housed here to protect them from the elements.
The Architecture and Landscape Biennale gives visitors the opportunity to discover the history and role of these mouldings and sculptures and their influence on architects, sculptors and even musicians.
As they walk through the exhibition, visitors will also discover “Palabre”, an installation by Djamel Klouche which gives voice to personalities like architects, geographers, historians, philosophers and artists. At the centre of the exhibition, these characters mingle with exhibits from the Louvre Museum’s collection of antiquities and provide their own contribution to the issues and challenges that face our societies.
Permanence and creation
Sometimes rejected and sometimes imitated, ancient art has never failed to make a lasting impression on both artists and their patrons. In the wake of the Renaissance, imbued as it was with humanism, Antiquity saw something of a revival in the 17th century, especially as a result of the impetus from Louis XIV (1638-1715).
As much for his personal pleasure as for political goals, the King encouraged the flourishing of the arts throughout the kingdom. The best sculptors were sent to Rome to perfect their art, and on their return reproduced the greatest Italian collections. These sculptures went on show in the Gardens of Versailles, and contributed to the glorification of the King, making Versailles the new Rome.
Curators
Lionel Arsac, Heritage Curator at the Palace of Versailles
Élisabeth Le Breton, Heritage Curator at the Louvre Museum
