2024: new treasures join the collections of the Palace of Versailles

Mise à jour 16 décembre 2024 par Redak

In 2024, the Palace of Versailles enriched its collections thanks to important acquisitions made possible by the Society of Friends of Versailles. These emblematic works, intimately linked to the history of the place, include a fireplace screen by Louis XVI, a portrait of Madame de Pompadour, two Sèvres porcelain plates and a dressing table that belonged to Madame Victoire. These additions demonstrate the desire to refurnish the castle with historic pieces, thus helping to preserve its authenticity and revive the splendor of the past.

In 2024, the Palace of Versailles took a new step in the preservation of its heritage thanks to the Society of Friends of Versailles, which enabled the acquisition of several exceptional works. Among these pieces are a fireplace screen that belonged to Louis XVI, a portrait of Madame de Pompadour, two rare Sèvres porcelain plates and a dressing table of Madame Victoire. These acquisitions, symbols of an active refurnishing policy, strengthen the historical link between the castle’s collections and its original owners.

A key contribution from the Society of Friends of Versailles

The Society of Friends of Versailles, created in 1907, plays an essential role in safeguarding and enriching the heritage of the castle. Thanks to the commitment of its members and the generosity of patrons, this association has made it possible to reintroduce objects of inestimable historical value into the Versailles collections. For over a hundred years, it has actively contributed to the preservation and promotion of this jewel of national heritage.

These recent acquisitions illustrate the ongoing commitment of the Friends of Versailles, making it possible to restore historical pieces in their original context. The castle, which welcomes millions of visitors each year, sees its collections enriched with objects reflecting the authenticity and prestige of its past.

The fireplace screen in the corner cabinet of Louis XVI

Among the major acquisitions is a exceptional fireplace screen, designed in 1786 for the corner cabinet of Louis XVI, an emblematic room of his private apartment. This screen, made by Boulard, Charny and Chatard, is the only surviving element of a furniture set designed shortly before the French Revolution. His return to Versailles is therefore a significant step in the restoration of the original decor.

This screen also testifies to the refined taste of Louis XVI, a great lover of functional and elegant furniture. Intended to protect against drafts, it is based on a model also popular for the king’s games room. Thanks to the Society of Friends of Versailles, this piece of furniture finds its place in a setting that is familiar to it, thus enriching the experience of visitors to the castle.

A portrait of Madame de Pompadour, masterpiece by François-Hubert Drouais

Another notable acquisition: a bust portrait of Madame de Pompadour, painted by François-Hubert Drouais shortly before the Marquise’s death in 1764. This refined work, one of many variations made from the famous full-length portrait kept at the National Gallery in London, is a vibrant testimony to the lasting influence of Madame de Pompadour at the court of Louis XV.

Depicted wearing a lace fanchon and sitting at her embroidery frame, Madame de Pompadour embodies in this portrait the feminine ideal of virtue and elegance. This acquisition adds an intimate and personal dimension to the château’s collection, reinforcing its role as a living memory of the leading figures of the Ancien Régime.

Two Sèvres porcelain plates from Madame Victoire’s service

The “Jardin service”, created by the Manufacture royale de Sèvres in 1785, is one of the most sought-after works of the period. The two recently acquired plates come from this refined service, decorated with delicate floral motifs combining roses, cornflowers and golden scrolls.

These extremely rare pieces bear witness to the close bond between Madame Victoire, Louis XV’s fifth daughter, and the Sèvres manufacture. Their elegant design reflects the sophisticated tastes of the princess, known for her regular orders from this prestigious house. These plates thus complete the château’s collection, recalling the intimate meals and moments of daily life at court.

An emblematic dressing table of Madame Victoire

Attributed to the cabinetmaker Étienne Levasseur, a dressing table that belonged to Madame Victoire also joins the château’s collections. This piece of furniture, marked by the sobriety and elegance characteristic of the late 1780s, is distinguished by its tripartite top equipped with a central mirror and functional drawers.

The provenance of this table is attested by a fire mark “BV” surmounted by a royal crown, identifying the furniture from the Château de Bellevue, residence of Madame Victoire and her sisters. A handwritten label dated 1791 confirms its use in the princess’s bathroom. Thanks to this acquisition, Madame Victoire’s furniture finds a new coherence within the Versailles collections.

A heritage mission serving future generations

The commitment of the Society of Friends of Versailles goes beyond acquisitions. For more than a century, this association has mobilized its members around a common objective: preserve and enrich the heritage of the castle. Thanks to their unwavering support, forgotten treasures find their place, allowing the castle to perpetuate its role as guardian of history.

The four acquisitions of 2024 illustrate this mission. Each of them brings unique historical and artistic value, allowing visitors of today and tomorrow to discover the grandeur and intimacy of the court of Versailles.

Marie

Je suis Marie Dupras, reconnue pour être l'élément le plus énergique de notre équipe. Passionnée par l'acquisition de nouvelles connaissances, je consacre mes week-ends à explorer les musées et à participer fréquemment à des ventes aux enchères. Mon petit défaut ? Je ne résiste pas à l'envie d'acheter, mais cela s'accompagne d'un talent pour la recherche approfondie et la narration captivante d'histoires enrichies de conseils d'experte.

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