Horse in Majesty at the Heart of a Civilization: An Unprecedented Exhibition in Versailles

Mise à jour 2 juillet 2024 par Redak

A Historical Symbiosis between Man and Horse

The horse, man’s faithful companion, has played a determining role in the evolution of Western civilization. The Palace of Versailles pays tribute to this unique relationship with the exhibition “Horse in majesty at the heart of a civilization”, which will be held from July 2 to November 3, 2024, in parallel with the equestrian events of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This event is made possible thanks to the exclusive sponsorship of the CMA CGM Group.

The Evolution of the Horse in European History

The exhibition explores the multiple dimensions of the horse in European society, from the 16th to the 20th century. Through nearly 300 works from public and private collections, both French and international, it offers a global and renewed vision of equestrian civilization. Far from being a simple draft animal, the horse is presented as a mirror of the social, political and artistic developments of its time.

The Horse: Symbol of Power and Nobility

The horse has long been associated with nobility and power. From the Ancien Régime, its presence in artistic representations underlines the social rank and the majesty of sovereigns. Famous horses like Bucephalus, steed of Alexander the Great, or Marengo, mount of Napoleon, bear witness to this privileged relationship. The horse is thus endowed with a double majesty: by its natural presence and as an attribute of kings and nobles.

An Equestrian Journey Through the Rooms of Versailles

The exhibition takes place in several emblematic spaces of the Palace of Versailles, such as the African rooms, the Hercules room, the Hall of Mirrors, and the War and Peace rooms. Each room highlights a different facet of the relationship between man and horse, from war to hunting, ceremonies and court spectacles.

Exceptional and Unpublished Works

Among the works presented, some are new or exhibited for the first time in France. The unforgettable equestrian portrait of little Léopold de Medici by Sustermans, for example, is one of the centerpieces of the exhibition. Exceptional loans from prestigious museums such as the National Museum in Stockholm, the Rüstkammer in Dresden, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Royal Collection Trust enrich this unique exhibition.

Equestrian Civilization: A Living Heritage

Versailles symbolizes more than anything this “equestrian civilization”. The king’s immense stables, reopened for the occasion, bear witness to the importance of the horse at court. The equestrian statue of Louis The Bartabas Academy, located in the Grand Stable of the castle, perpetuates this tradition through its training and equestrian shows.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games: An Equestrian Symphony

As part of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Versailles will host the show jumping and dressage events. This event marks a continuity with the historic equestrian festivities of Versailles, offering a new opportunity to celebrate the majesty of the horse.

An Ambitious and Multidisciplinary Project

The creation of this major exhibition required years of research and international collaboration. Considered for a long time, this ambitious project was precipitated by the unique opportunity of the Paris Olympic Games. It is based on a multidisciplinary approach, exploring the political, artistic, diplomatic, scientific and spectacular dimensions of the horse.

An Intimate Encounter with the Horse

The exhibition offers an intimate encounter with the horse, this creature inseparable from the human adventure. Despite technological and social changes, the horse remains at the heart of our imagination. The exhibition celebrates this timeless relationship, highlighting the stunning beauty and majesty of the horse, and reminding us that although times have changed, our fascination with this noble and powerful animal endures.

Information Palace of Versailles

Cyril CH

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