“Versailles, a Pictorial Phenomenon (19th–20th Century)” database
[working title]
Since the exhibition Versailles Revival, 1867-1937 (château de Versailles, November 19, 2019 – March 15, 2020), the creative influence of the Palaces of Versailles and Trianon in the 19th and 20th centuries is no longer in doubt, but rather warrants further exploration. With this in mind, this database aims to showcase the diversity and abundance of pictorial works inspired by the site over the course of a century, primarily from the Second Empire to the 1950s. As comprehensively as possible, this tool seeks to catalog all the artists who participated in this “trend” during the period and the works they produced on this subject throughout their careers.
Intended to grow over time, this database catalogs the works of painters as diverse as they are varied—famous or simply amateur, French or foreign—brought together here by their shared interest in the former royal city. Beyond providing an inventory that is as comprehensive as possible, its goal is to highlight the existence of a true “Versailles School,” in the sense once understood by art historians, notably Pierre de Nolhac, curator of the museum from 1892 to 1919.
This tool allows users to explore various aspects of the collection, particularly the locations depicted (palace interiors, gardens, and parks), thereby highlighting the motifs favored by artists and, above all, the sheer volume of pictorial works produced over the course of a century.
Team
This database was developed by Claire Bonnotte Khelil, research associate at the musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon, with the assistance of Laurent Salomé, director of musée national des châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon.
Amandine Morvan, who holds a Master’s degree in art history from the université de Nantes, also contributed to its development.
It is maintained by Isabelle Pluvieux, database manager at the Centre de recherche du château de Versailles.
