My own Petit Trianon

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dm72Dyl3tXbglRt3ngFVAa_ypISEZImtoI5ug3jzov3LmxJ9zK3jwOSuqZ0iHrl9CvnrW670Y44X5yKd5A-y43lSS105SmIxryH1xBei9BW_oyIuusT5RbmK_XW_b9tXPissV46FG7Q/s1600/Garden+elevation.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568827131714682162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dm72Dyl3tXbglRt3ngFVAa_ypISEZImtoI5ug3jzov3LmxJ9zK3jwOSuqZ0iHrl9CvnrW670Y44X5yKd5A-y43lSS105SmIxryH1xBei9BW_oyIuusT5RbmK_XW_b9tXPissV46FG7Q/s400/Garden+elevation.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Last night while watching the finale of Downton Abbey (was anyone else as frustrated as I am with the lack of resolution within ANY of the story lines?) I took my own advice and built my own little <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/build-petit-trianon.html">Petit Trianon</a>.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoRo9qrvyMdmKj-pB69qRybIjPhy9p0-U_LRRXgFhUfSl8gLhS9MT6VjVfWkVq_JCBDUWN8y_ZIu13ePI5fx8mVqyrI6PlTWUodMcCB_LODe1hhm6QiOOB4MJNHelZV-ssO6e-kUkKXI/s1600/petit+trianon+courtyard.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568827126411032546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoRo9qrvyMdmKj-pB69qRybIjPhy9p0-U_LRRXgFhUfSl8gLhS9MT6VjVfWkVq_JCBDUWN8y_ZIu13ePI5fx8mVqyrI6PlTWUodMcCB_LODe1hhm6QiOOB4MJNHelZV-ssO6e-kUkKXI/s400/petit+trianon+courtyard.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> It turned out pretty well although I wasn't able to figure out the wing walls for the courtyard elevation above (so I cut them off).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0NUB8BSGa8HgFRmrelVvua9oq0jQIIsichnZHQVV2MvZpaDCh4k4QNI9EZBRSpJM744FmUhdYM-0nm0hq6NLWfnvPx0blVmO4FzfGmMm2ecEm6dalsakGvtZL-dnOtOVuoYmDu7T9Es/s1600/petit+trianon+aerial.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568827123757829106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0NUB8BSGa8HgFRmrelVvua9oq0jQIIsichnZHQVV2MvZpaDCh4k4QNI9EZBRSpJM744FmUhdYM-0nm0hq6NLWfnvPx0blVmO4FzfGmMm2ecEm6dalsakGvtZL-dnOtOVuoYmDu7T9Es/s400/petit+trianon+aerial.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Much like the original, it's a little jewel box! I love the little parapet detail at the roof. If anyone else decides to build one, I would love to see the final result, especially if you figured out how the courtyard walls work.</div></div>

My own Petit Trianon

Last night while watching the finale of Downton Abbey (was anyone else as frustrated as I am with the lack of resolution within ANY of the s...

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Build the Petit Trianon

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8YeYiBFTRqf0J7xJvXYuXUVb9coLQOfS4wbhTwcRYlzZz_7BLd1c-baNpz7yCYtrRB27RwrdnJm3qP3i_yHYA-thv1Z2tDsSNhQrBCf1rNXa6bH2-MDIalBaMm96pScLmA7Gz-TgLUo/s1600/petit+trianon.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568463982214143954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8YeYiBFTRqf0J7xJvXYuXUVb9coLQOfS4wbhTwcRYlzZz_7BLd1c-baNpz7yCYtrRB27RwrdnJm3qP3i_yHYA-thv1Z2tDsSNhQrBCf1rNXa6bH2-MDIalBaMm96pScLmA7Gz-TgLUo/s400/petit+trianon.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 284px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I came across this graphic recently to build your own model of the Petit Trianon. Simply click on the image above to enlarge and save to your computer. Print out on cardstock and voila -a few minutes of fun crafting! You may remember the postcard models I built of various house styles which I keep on my desk at work-this is soon to join them. Enjoy!

Build the Petit Trianon

I came across this graphic recently to build your own model of the Petit Trianon. Simply click on the image above to enlarge and save to yo...

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Queen's theater

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZ_o7xx0n7eTkVVHQuJ-yq_wjkVt6AtciiC-XiOk2qdqgQnt-wcINVN9bAwq2LBEdFxVW5vaH9ootc7x3YnlhDC_qUvaanOySBXJ583iN0MEk5wl0ymGsbrz2dJFN41CuYEGpL78Hh5E/s1600/queen's+theater.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494230221434354050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZ_o7xx0n7eTkVVHQuJ-yq_wjkVt6AtciiC-XiOk2qdqgQnt-wcINVN9bAwq2LBEdFxVW5vaH9ootc7x3YnlhDC_qUvaanOySBXJ583iN0MEk5wl0ymGsbrz2dJFN41CuYEGpL78Hh5E/s400/queen's+theater.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 322px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>I came across this delightful sketch by Elizabeth 'Beegle' Duquette of the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2009/10/queens-theater.html">Queen's theater</a> at the Petit Trianon recently while reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/More-Tony-Duquette-Hutton-Wilkinson/dp/0810957027/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279225170&sr=8-1">More is More</a>. Both talented artists, I'm amazed at the fascinating life they led. Click on the photos to enlarge and see the details. Have you read the 2 books on Duquette? Enjoy them?<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76TkCHTlJeC1r3S842ohT7IVnwKz272gadcQdk937OwROP_nBmL8hDM80wfXy1sqacqE84DeZP-i4uqUWWuiQEFaTGLCQw8FOdWrVvHgt2Uclcb9oqdBADArq9YIQNFjnvVdQ7KCjC5s/s1600/petit+trianon.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494230211359988786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76TkCHTlJeC1r3S842ohT7IVnwKz272gadcQdk937OwROP_nBmL8hDM80wfXy1sqacqE84DeZP-i4uqUWWuiQEFaTGLCQw8FOdWrVvHgt2Uclcb9oqdBADArq9YIQNFjnvVdQ7KCjC5s/s400/petit+trianon.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a><em>Photograph of the Queen's theater by myself while the drawing is from the book More is More</em></div>

Queen's theater

I came across this delightful sketch by Elizabeth 'Beegle' Duquette of the Queen's theater at the Petit Trianon recently while ...

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Petit Trianon: Boudoir

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443859337952886034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXqPiDT_Pn6Xn0hmzt9TTrbmwSeRAn8OSPoocdMxKymvLu_VTW0XwCwvxkF5170rUhNFSCMMOizNi-TMF6l9C-LXTBnPTBaRCnDBq1UNng7iVBlqTMr0A5F6Zqo3SZ6yhmffyi3mmreh4/s400/chair+and+paneling.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Arguably, the most important room to the mistress of a 18th century house is her boudoir. The derivation of the word is from the French word <em>Bouder</em> or 'to pout' . Here she can unwind in her own personal space, far from the worries of her household (simliar to a 'mancave' today I think)! Technically, the boudoir is a private sitting or dressing area off of a bedroom. In the case of the Petit Trianon, this little room has some big impact, impressive features!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443859458550234034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrA12DQtlUcKdVcfXhPvT9TENb_2rGOziyX1yKfbTSm7GC6e8ZX5ixJ3KTJ425jHPlfogN9mNAxSQRhbKdKVB1Ev5S93yyGwKGvmdVE4mBxqPm8GWLoA0nqqy1pMAl-1n-tR6DDGXHjMn9/s400/boudoir+plan.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The room lies in the northeast corner of the first floor, in between the Salon (to which there is a jib or secret door) and Marie Antoinette's bedroom, marked in blue above.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSQiN9yIsDLb3b9ZEQ9bOk3xzmW_ZvfJ8CoaCIcil5fvSo1OK01x1SBENtjV97wr-AR9FYkqjEI8rqBc_7c-3Ln0Lcgt7vOQh4i0hgijVgfKr4RhfKG_Q2kl83w8iBmjIIDZUtXp2wXtY/s1600-h/full+room.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443858141504856178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSQiN9yIsDLb3b9ZEQ9bOk3xzmW_ZvfJ8CoaCIcil5fvSo1OK01x1SBENtjV97wr-AR9FYkqjEI8rqBc_7c-3Ln0Lcgt7vOQh4i0hgijVgfKr4RhfKG_Q2kl83w8iBmjIIDZUtXp2wXtY/s400/full+room.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Here in her private sanctuary, Marie Antoinette would entertain her closest friends (the bedroom was still a semi-public space at the time) and nap. Rather than draperies which posed a security risk, the room was lined with very simple boiseries with inset mirrors that at the turn of a crank in the room below, recede into the wall exposing the window on the east wall and the french doors to the terrace on the north wall.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443858945328901122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uLmUBy5cy2h22eRievCyh68FQs9FBhlIzG2V9K6XWsbCdNytX9fYLQ6mRYdtLqRrMHxyU7YNd4lQyDBUxTfARFBHlgY1vu2MMm1wjy3eJLwEG_v1W3WtFl-c3CM3milyXyAyYUWdsM5k/s400/elevations.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> Many of the details match that of the adjacent bedroom, including the pale blue color scheme. However, as this is a less public space, the boiseries are even simpler than in the bedroom. They saved the most showy spaces for the public, much as we do today in our own homes. The level of ornateness often would correspond to the level of privacy held by the space.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443859195619906802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisposTCHoLTHGQG3hw5JfH6Hzuf3anTODecG39cl6V-no_qrNnKMp_X5HVEAmpYEG5hYFGY_BVxT02F0_VfcDped9kSHU79V4-Yov6tNczE1B4-et0tP19Zz4-VxCLNP2-BoNyfAS0zBbe/s400/mechanized+mirrors.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 330px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Above you can see the mirror half covering the window. While in the full height position, the mirrors act as part of the paneling and you can't even tell they are covering anything. A daybed (for naps or lounging) as well as a tea table with comfortable chairs furnish the room.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443858940152957474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnnUmdHVj96wRyUXPrLJlIHOtqtgaEvgGuyw0XV54L3WJJqpLP-72pkS9oW77UGuJC0qFHv8xVJ59TCSlFslei8k2Mv3TOB1kwt26py5WVyWavwTwX2WM4XhAFX2UQeYzX1mw3nwcNRpH/s400/entry.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> I wish I had a better photograph of the fireplace than the one above, but the drawing below shows it in detail. Beautiful white marble, delicate carvings and the diminutive scale emphasize the femininity of the small space.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443858942967285858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CxuDaSKcADG452RK5OBk0fYLAuiHoenRoFfsiR8Avz2Gh3aEdbY-bgzCSWr1jzbBdRvqMCE2blL2E7t6Uo39bxhTKINl50mwDeI7RAKzvqIQToEXmRG82CNTzTGlHrDdrOqOPH4CE66l/s400/mantel+drawing.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div><div><div><div><div>The room in the service quarters below houses the 2 mirrors when they are lowered, which then in turn cover their windows. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399709136000297794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrE0UcBkJY2RQxPaKEhxm-7ak9Ymhh4ifBv9ENL94ZDCF3AWVMmTikN0yDiOeO0J0-aJQHspPKtHEVXy9NIO_l2n6L6SdOWkzOCfH3tXwMKSPSEEF6RzAi2gkNCPICTjWOGcA0FRHHJwC9/s400/below.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Here you can see the mirror from above which is half covering the above window and starting to be visable in the servants quarters. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443859664787641218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDQbnP4QYBl8BYGrvXIs4eo4x4ah67-4DFynlWirj7k5K8fSotLtimZua3s50ntDAYqgRAYGh5HFMyZIvkMJVp7ti2pP8VjwxB4gyMWrnHLNQM2Gq3NfT8FERJRYLTCAg62irUu5zK5Zt/s400/mechanism.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIK9TbhUak0smgDDTr55A1eSWB703GZjoCEagISIq8Ztv9GgVSou4CCjQxAAeoe-EkSR57dPLkgsHueaxICKkMLzgDwTwe9Lxdh5KRH1J-tiyEtik6av5NNBvJ1IMoRBMQjPFd5K9AK5jP/s1600-h/mechanism.JPG"></a>Amazing 18th century technology that is still marvelous (and functioning)!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Petit Trianon: Boudoir

Arguably, the most important room to the mistress of a 18th century house is her boudoir. The derivation of the word is from the French word...

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Petit Trianon: Master bedroom

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441292802686869810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PGAIsW20CAzl3p-lACQb21V8dObf24K74p4elcCi3GmIgF0qrJbff84I-UZlRNYtpfUysYq5xJnv60CJ3vxs6vq_XQHDFWCPBl_U_xv2E8kkDqnQ9rRlQdZMdsSvX4UnHWAL0hGV5EP0/s400/bedroom+corner.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Marie Antoinette's bedroom at the Petit Trianon is a perfect reflection of the young queen. Recently restored, the bedroom is one of the most elegant rooms in the house. You can see it located below on the plan in blue.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441292812034241730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-a3GFP8qz-BX7OqDMwJuXdSo7-CzGYdAQpUvUjTlu4n8kJNoXNNHedNqjfoFEkv0NDyWi0YDfslGdTY7Qxj4SLDbg2syrS36x6XE6lNnYsg3Xu-XEarDOrwW9bUOXsOazMa3LMIUeHub/s400/bedroom+floorplan.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The placement of the bedroom would become important even with the planning of the Petit Trianon's gardens: the Temple of Love is on direct axis from the daybed out the window, seen below. Who says Marie Antoinette wasn't a romantic?<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441292818482896658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStkRAgf8rBqEMeiGwQnskR5p-j90Q0N-ws3gCS2T5RwixGB4zwtuFumfFGvoWf-lInHoirC7Yx1HwPAQR_j3F9Z4apVTzfOfcSSwQ8CqMcmaJbCZtON4enY9EMdf_7ln9mvJ4KojbFWsT/s400/bedroom+window.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> Below you see the Petit Trianon from the Temple of Love, the bedroom highlighted in blue.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441292814389713426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4M100aogLE1suIoSMoe44LxGeHKqC-T2qV-EgazRCUBpQZF9iBsw-eBQAqmhUK5t894b7b24O9TRhtfAmw-RcWfm3yMqv6jtnGp52Gzu9QNz7XfBKblAGg6xYqpST0JCnUMOTEcE16pN/s400/bedroom+location.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The room features an exquisite bedroom suite by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Jacob">Georges Jacob</a> made for Marie Antoinette that is probably the most famous furniture in the small palace. The furniture and embroidered upholstery all display her love of flowers.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441292821865965394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfS4end1x9kHLQ7bh_t-rMrTuZL-oqmT1ZVkdRwnbLL_uPpLc07RJwWYFf-wYc83nBt7RmPWFnQ3FU7s5YuV6p-RBFo-bjeSCIGYE6Da50fNwHrq_1VuB6GNue5bFag7xYNkoxJ4qSEJ_/s400/daybed.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 347px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The bedroom breaks from the pale green color scheme found throughout the main floor of the Petit Trianon and is instead an icy blue. Seen below to the right is a clock featuring 2 eagles which represent the house of Austria. Marie Antoinette always discretely remained loyal to her roots. She must have felt at home at the Petit Trianon surrounded by the things which were important to her: a love of nature and her Austrian roots.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441292939756401538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAUAMYm1tA215DCe-53JBv38kWeVFGNmNvJGbNaXb9HkwBpw7bm1IQ59OAMd9cJKL9EAUcnBXZPL3Raicqp8W3WTIfpLySjyR2QBLom67hnfdQEUOdpf151_8w2wmBXCK-nngUQteSVD5/s400/marie+antoinette+bedroom.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Even the boiseries are adorned with flowers. Below is a sketch from the 1913 Petit Trianon book that shows the carving in detail.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1D6ZFiwyPySTbbq5aASIYS2x6ZSyYwfoyg-gp_rsPL_XPpsK6UrAkK83Y3E2ARe64x5F_oApVVkk4yKR8MsMEMQ3q0wRNgu8tLA2XpsdB-tcXgGMTaB3JnXK4LAFSIdKBAJmZdkCjCfxV/s1600-h/paneling+detail.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441292943304367954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1D6ZFiwyPySTbbq5aASIYS2x6ZSyYwfoyg-gp_rsPL_XPpsK6UrAkK83Y3E2ARe64x5F_oApVVkk4yKR8MsMEMQ3q0wRNgu8tLA2XpsdB-tcXgGMTaB3JnXK4LAFSIdKBAJmZdkCjCfxV/s400/paneling+detail.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The hardware, which I have been admiring throughout the tour, is extremely organic in form: again harking back to nature and details of flowers.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441293477569252898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndkD6uYav1wU174xaeGRxJV2w0uE55X3wyJvYUBVvKwyIzt1fXfX7MpgK-3mc0Dz3iOUe0TmYsbKOkw5QmK8Zm2fmzL3upMQj6_jJ61eHEJEPbcjnkhmZwYSV5dxsVFnauSLpgzmmm5b5/s400/hardware+details.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I can't discuss Marie Antoinette's bedroom without including a picture of her as played so excellently by Kirsten Dunst in Sofia Coppola's movie.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqMtDGosJuWdLnWUHWiAKKx6Nkj6foP5Lm-dTFZZsSBstkSSnGhpLFZnHuL2CKm9XKbPMCwuKyCZ_DzhIAOR29VYD3SH_g11AJIMr9Ttbd4xEwvYBrhtDoONwLqfoHjSHOuvJL_X5_LNI/s1600-h/Kirsten+Dunst.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441292933710106962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqMtDGosJuWdLnWUHWiAKKx6Nkj6foP5Lm-dTFZZsSBstkSSnGhpLFZnHuL2CKm9XKbPMCwuKyCZ_DzhIAOR29VYD3SH_g11AJIMr9Ttbd4xEwvYBrhtDoONwLqfoHjSHOuvJL_X5_LNI/s400/Kirsten+Dunst.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> </div></div></div>

Petit Trianon: Master bedroom

Marie Antoinette's bedroom at the Petit Trianon is a perfect reflection of the young queen. Recently restored, the bedroom is one of the...

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Petit Trianon: Salon

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMiGcfcUSl-hyV5I6z2JVPrxVkLICw8qPh_DaCdHJ_hBhVuQu2kYjHx6n_tKMOaVfmFWoxf8g_2PRg6Qr_aue46uAckf4lVd5Av9TF8VptsPnRvMoQW6k_engDvusigKhFcujo4VpqJ_U/s1600-h/writing+desk.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438603946212145922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMiGcfcUSl-hyV5I6z2JVPrxVkLICw8qPh_DaCdHJ_hBhVuQu2kYjHx6n_tKMOaVfmFWoxf8g_2PRg6Qr_aue46uAckf4lVd5Av9TF8VptsPnRvMoQW6k_engDvusigKhFcujo4VpqJ_U/s400/writing+desk.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The main salon at the Petit Trianon is probably the most often seen space and the largest: You can see it in the floor plan below in blue.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438603939803544898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiuL6QwYx_0EcNfJRyQHlokr57XNBsH-iXmvZpdAGC8tR2L9w5ByLILjT8iMG9ta9L_hvl8bCRHgFAI-Ou5L-14hMASfktvzr-N8uOKlvoDba4HGNFJOqW70nGK7-GczAskxPpd1pZBtL/s400/salon+floorplan.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div><div>The upholstery and curtains are a very deep dark pink, practically crimson, which like elsewhere, contrast nicely with the light green and white painted boiseries.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0yGiRfD_8afLXarNVBfeRr9FiV8tZAClV8pG7L6B3b1W9ErW2KDvg1EXlBbLv4xpAGVnCXkVAa7cIshcXU3OnBZa6KIBhSVwzOcTzpoBoy3wx64WpodWztjTXc9_DRCX3phzuat27BXO/s1600-h/salon.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438603690850361698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0yGiRfD_8afLXarNVBfeRr9FiV8tZAClV8pG7L6B3b1W9ErW2KDvg1EXlBbLv4xpAGVnCXkVAa7cIshcXU3OnBZa6KIBhSVwzOcTzpoBoy3wx64WpodWztjTXc9_DRCX3phzuat27BXO/s400/salon.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The room is outfitted with a suite of musical instruments from the time period. If you've seen Sofia Coppola's movie, Marie Antoinette, you may recognize them.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJx3Cpi_eioe3xKQGyZnUsDDbQOjrqY_WkOuXR_RRBv5cqmHl4mczVM9wNUawiOZCmHkBrPcL858g-vvt0VLFLdwvwe4Ooe98w9NSZhKyog9rp34QdLQIe7-P7aL3GAf0D6Y1dHnEjg0_/s1600-h/lantern.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438603679515825778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJx3Cpi_eioe3xKQGyZnUsDDbQOjrqY_WkOuXR_RRBv5cqmHl4mczVM9wNUawiOZCmHkBrPcL858g-vvt0VLFLdwvwe4Ooe98w9NSZhKyog9rp34QdLQIe7-P7aL3GAf0D6Y1dHnEjg0_/s400/lantern.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The elegant gilded bronze work continues as do the Parquet de Versailles flooring. You can see the beautiful light the room receives, I took these pictures in the late afternoon.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG9lweHfUcFOxhoVbOYugVK6bucY7wbz4EJmiXVJ1GeRUKtji7GjON6CFet0E2tx6CIJy2oz7WJghF73i8TjoZTdq7tzFgkmVgMpEnf2SJh4jmWo-3_6T2rgVux7Nf7AwXTJRvwCfq5jO/s1600-h/corner.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438603674136802018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG9lweHfUcFOxhoVbOYugVK6bucY7wbz4EJmiXVJ1GeRUKtji7GjON6CFet0E2tx6CIJy2oz7WJghF73i8TjoZTdq7tzFgkmVgMpEnf2SJh4jmWo-3_6T2rgVux7Nf7AwXTJRvwCfq5jO/s400/corner.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Oops, a burnt out bulb! I guess this wouldn't have been a problem back in Marie Antoinette's time! Maybe on a windy day a blown out candle or two....<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438603943331795474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGdeKgfHrCgdWy2KuKiuDWs1fdSnuUGBv2AY7qtWMDgVaWgNqF6yIrvv3wrpx4vwl663PgFt-edGOe-GT01n2gUqjlgNpXd_l1AAfD1uib6GS1dhrKh9AehGFAUFFtewN-cko9XI1sr_g/s400/sconce.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />You'll notice the literal use of lily in the boiseries. I've never seen a fleur de lis depiected with actual lilys before! It is of course the symbol of the French Monarchy and makes perfect sense here.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWYS5eRpQHFREKYQ7oOCO9v8iwRxeP_lJdCdsE87hW9t8YLZwxL4TcFcSp9FQ-4LIBNfmwybSUyoSzNA7rfx0rYn56ETARQXSWxAKjcbD4Kwi8YMsUXIC8iezc-l3R8nbToWWU9-48V7E/s1600-h/boiserie.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438603672380040482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWYS5eRpQHFREKYQ7oOCO9v8iwRxeP_lJdCdsE87hW9t8YLZwxL4TcFcSp9FQ-4LIBNfmwybSUyoSzNA7rfx0rYn56ETARQXSWxAKjcbD4Kwi8YMsUXIC8iezc-l3R8nbToWWU9-48V7E/s400/boiserie.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> These elegant armchairs are stylishly upholstered with sumptuously embroidered silk. I hope you enjoyed exploring this beautiful room!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97RJ_6qs2X_IBxg17hMjJl1EqnFq-HfHLL5R2yy1Z3VGGVK8T6j8pLGdEsyNkl7-e1l89yAZOzoIDmrg5fenE8fYHHRnJsw5DmCPU-hGilfcGx-3tIuxbU5mgImr_m0feiDZROhCMx4Bk/s1600-h/armchair.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438603665182366722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97RJ_6qs2X_IBxg17hMjJl1EqnFq-HfHLL5R2yy1Z3VGGVK8T6j8pLGdEsyNkl7-e1l89yAZOzoIDmrg5fenE8fYHHRnJsw5DmCPU-hGilfcGx-3tIuxbU5mgImr_m0feiDZROhCMx4Bk/s400/armchair.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Petit Trianon: Salon

The main salon at the Petit Trianon is probably the most often seen space and the largest: You can see it in the floor plan below in blue. ...

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Petit Trianon: the small salon

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0DQSrXsJ-meWko56KoqlBF9XRa_UUvTGgytbdesWtBi3EC_psTRfSslPhyphenhyphen9EMqtB3E40OGth-Ucvl10FqzYibh89mJ6xGMO1H-3o87rlILEFWJdcYcxXN4g3_5oSk8JwfCzQNeKgNzgZ/s1600-h/sconce.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436083322333504690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0DQSrXsJ-meWko56KoqlBF9XRa_UUvTGgytbdesWtBi3EC_psTRfSslPhyphenhyphen9EMqtB3E40OGth-Ucvl10FqzYibh89mJ6xGMO1H-3o87rlILEFWJdcYcxXN4g3_5oSk8JwfCzQNeKgNzgZ/s400/sconce.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> A small but none the less charming room at the Petit Trianon is next on our tour: The small salon. The room was also used as an informal dining room and occasionally a gaming room. It lies in the northwest corner of the PT, seen in blue on the plan below, so would get excellent late afternoon light.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA-hvImPucxdT3f-GB8miz7-TKfIFb8XDzowExzKEpdrS0r2WCQCzQWrD4MHxGwxxFPGlxzvKh2uqVtBPfrN3SG5xpOvlBfBlAtHGuTsF390uMRvOOq7nWQiA_442v-4J9Zo594SzM4FE/s1600-h/small+salon+plan.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436083317112564146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA-hvImPucxdT3f-GB8miz7-TKfIFb8XDzowExzKEpdrS0r2WCQCzQWrD4MHxGwxxFPGlxzvKh2uqVtBPfrN3SG5xpOvlBfBlAtHGuTsF390uMRvOOq7nWQiA_442v-4J9Zo594SzM4FE/s400/small+salon+plan.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>One of the reasons it is believed to have been used as a <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2010/02/petit-trianon-dining-room.html">dining room</a> is the crystal chandelier (seen from the dining room picture post linked above and also in the top picture of this post). Like I mentioned in the dining room, all other rooms in the PT have neoclassically appropriate lanterns. The room also features beautiful gilded bronze sconces which have been electrified and add soft lighting.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCNKY33ldLRFWn4b1cU2nss494AHrROiGKnA_k_D0RHWy8rwFeX0c3xdnaWZS_y0m0n1ExqUcKaVq7jz_ASB4tj6ujyv-CSN3vvT4GxfbXwAbCNvoxCFArtK4S1MLpCfRWmCcqQtk4doK/s1600-h/small+salon.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436083310877524514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCNKY33ldLRFWn4b1cU2nss494AHrROiGKnA_k_D0RHWy8rwFeX0c3xdnaWZS_y0m0n1ExqUcKaVq7jz_ASB4tj6ujyv-CSN3vvT4GxfbXwAbCNvoxCFArtK4S1MLpCfRWmCcqQtk4doK/s400/small+salon.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 309px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The room features a beautifully colorful mantelpiece of red Italian Griotte marble with a matching hearth which is featured elsewhere in the room (in the floor at the window surrounds). The red curtains play up the use of this red stone. The elevation below shows the wall as it is featured in the Boston Architectural Club Yearbook from 1913.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXo-0EH_9X-xKX-f3UOB3BrxWIqj0LfX5K4nS3FeFW1EYMmCtiBbITvhGqkTuneUQ-2Da_lThyTOfZvLGKh_mPLYn5GNduf2zhCvQyjGUEMGXkOuCDbsWNAmKqa-cHCz5KC3T9Xsfi5izZ/s1600-h/fireplace+elevation.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436083308171513442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXo-0EH_9X-xKX-f3UOB3BrxWIqj0LfX5K4nS3FeFW1EYMmCtiBbITvhGqkTuneUQ-2Da_lThyTOfZvLGKh_mPLYn5GNduf2zhCvQyjGUEMGXkOuCDbsWNAmKqa-cHCz5KC3T9Xsfi5izZ/s400/fireplace+elevation.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The moldings include an acanthus leaf crown molding which was a popular motif in neoclassical design, originating with ancient Greek architecture. I love the way the red curtains contrast the soft green painted boiseries. This red and green color pattern will follow us through the entire PT.<br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436083297650912386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hN9N7Nl5QhG5P8OQjMovDMGYX7qXlv5WRt6PNKneExHXPmipwxCVWU6rMaT3JRdh7JI5eu_3WqQGj3l4aM1pUFytoPi7lUtVR_KN5ys68nGqEIrPCqDUCb01kVlgCtUlMk8hzYlyDsCh/s400/corner.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div></div></div></div>

Petit Trianon: the small salon

A small but none the less charming room at the Petit Trianon is next on our tour: The small salon. The room was also used as an informal di...

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Petit Trianon: Dining Room

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OkwaySVx_ScN6VItcuFc5fwzgDm5-zMpVLYozlCbP4ygt8Dcfvj_THj2AdWNNNg8aHIDJHXT4dPkNRt3EfXu7GsPHMleoxB1f7H9Cw9u7fW0T3ALLYXHhRZVAzpGgtpNCm3u7FufjmWD/s1600-h/crystal+chandelier.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433501169259114514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OkwaySVx_ScN6VItcuFc5fwzgDm5-zMpVLYozlCbP4ygt8Dcfvj_THj2AdWNNNg8aHIDJHXT4dPkNRt3EfXu7GsPHMleoxB1f7H9Cw9u7fW0T3ALLYXHhRZVAzpGgtpNCm3u7FufjmWD/s400/crystal+chandelier.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Much like it's neighbor, Versailles (which it is said to have had the first room dedicated entirely to private dining, setting the fashion), the Petit Trianon has a devoted dining room. The room is one of two with a crystal chandelier instead of the more typical lantern.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2m0TXZ8V7rEPI4Xi04fuY9B0Awxa2eebQqhSps8V48FZRnctfeFCBd60KeasMI-zshSd0FPzrSFjHuEit_3Ju5038WbEcs826oQhHfOmM3dw8ceE3dYFOeJiB-bL6p09owfV_ZqpF_WyY/s1600-h/dining+room+plan.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433501158908506786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2m0TXZ8V7rEPI4Xi04fuY9B0Awxa2eebQqhSps8V48FZRnctfeFCBd60KeasMI-zshSd0FPzrSFjHuEit_3Ju5038WbEcs826oQhHfOmM3dw8ceE3dYFOeJiB-bL6p09owfV_ZqpF_WyY/s400/dining+room+plan.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The dining room, seen here in blue, lies just above the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2010/02/petit-trianon-antechamber.html">anteroom</a>, the first room in the set of apartments.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNejwSz8-zt1QnZQkSZ6gK8I7szE89xKbxQSdYjEw3_fmSlRCpSSR6GD-DEHW882CHS8598mXNIRYmzv6glPyFeVGgIJqTx5pMo_W9SopiiqmjHhszJYKMCU9j0iE7Ldiq4E13pfaKD7VM/s1600-h/dining+room.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433500725279779282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNejwSz8-zt1QnZQkSZ6gK8I7szE89xKbxQSdYjEw3_fmSlRCpSSR6GD-DEHW882CHS8598mXNIRYmzv6glPyFeVGgIJqTx5pMo_W9SopiiqmjHhszJYKMCU9j0iE7Ldiq4E13pfaKD7VM/s400/dining+room.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>One of the most famous stories about the PT is that the dining room had a mechanical dining table which rose out of the floor from the kitchen below. This way, dinner guests did not need to be waited on by servants and could eat in private. Unfortunately, the table was never completed but the foundation for the device was built and can still be seen in the basement.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4SOmTCX4ZFZAE5-xiJ30gbFUE5bpitaAMmj4cXZmWIxcNrdCVN3c_qGaK7obQRb43IXMWY3N04T0dFY2BGJHhyphenhyphen4zVutgrAwJ_0_QRpv974YrKWjBZpRz5BpxxJmDuK4bQNR_WYRT8VCB/s1600-h/the+garden.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433500716641378978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4SOmTCX4ZFZAE5-xiJ30gbFUE5bpitaAMmj4cXZmWIxcNrdCVN3c_qGaK7obQRb43IXMWY3N04T0dFY2BGJHhyphenhyphen4zVutgrAwJ_0_QRpv974YrKWjBZpRz5BpxxJmDuK4bQNR_WYRT8VCB/s400/the+garden.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The dining room is set on direct axis with the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2009/09/french-pavilion.html">French Pavilion</a>, seen through the windows above. French houses always seem to have <em>the view</em> as an important end goal: whether seen through an enfilade of rooms or at the end of an allee of trees. I think this is one of the reasons that the French style of architecture remains so popular: great views make for great spaces.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_q-mJgLbi20FwiPcmDK6CPXr6PVQkKf6V1ykat8z5MR5_r6Z3euFS7gsvlvGZaq6A5GR7NPzuYvDhcAtRFZr-PgwWc_1fvFNmtjuZ1BuTq9YAcU22558nLUPk-_OOX6xXeepgePp6Ven/s1600-h/dining+chair.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433500715673427426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_q-mJgLbi20FwiPcmDK6CPXr6PVQkKf6V1ykat8z5MR5_r6Z3euFS7gsvlvGZaq6A5GR7NPzuYvDhcAtRFZr-PgwWc_1fvFNmtjuZ1BuTq9YAcU22558nLUPk-_OOX6xXeepgePp6Ven/s400/dining+chair.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The dining room features some handsome dark wood chairs. Out of all of the rooms, the dining room felt the most masculine and the most strongly neoclassical, despite the red silk curtains!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_XCaVNo5zH-6m5ktCw-l4Aad1a6aZ3QqIlJshmUUzjpaJBg8tnOcgbAmRXwK7Ujnv8s8G-kG4hMguVUZjHr1u9TKsAf8Hqswdrccn18AVIq5aM743itomolLJR_es_iSI915sCYRSk68/s1600-h/fireplace.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433500709548466738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_XCaVNo5zH-6m5ktCw-l4Aad1a6aZ3QqIlJshmUUzjpaJBg8tnOcgbAmRXwK7Ujnv8s8G-kG4hMguVUZjHr1u9TKsAf8Hqswdrccn18AVIq5aM743itomolLJR_es_iSI915sCYRSk68/s400/fireplace.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> A beautiful bust of Marie Antoinette rests above the fireplace in front of a large mirror. Directly across the room, between the french doors is an identical mirror. As meals would be eaten here by candelight, magnifying the light from the precious candles was of utmost importance. I suppose that is the practical reason for the crystal and the mirrors, but the glamour factor must have been part of the decision as well! To this day, dining rooms tend to be the most glamorous room in any house.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIdq28EsEvdsBsouscI23D4EowqQ1_DEfv5ayB2G7Vd_O_hsjVOPxCQfiEJWNxHCbk1cABvo62e__6nEpkPCPDimKqIZoyN0qlPxWZHRercPV-3VHNm5VV8i2P4Czunq7znPy-_GJCLj3/s1600-h/door+hardware.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433500703932060450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIdq28EsEvdsBsouscI23D4EowqQ1_DEfv5ayB2G7Vd_O_hsjVOPxCQfiEJWNxHCbk1cABvo62e__6nEpkPCPDimKqIZoyN0qlPxWZHRercPV-3VHNm5VV8i2P4Czunq7znPy-_GJCLj3/s400/door+hardware.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 346px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I just couldn't get over how beautiful all of the door hardware was and even the doors themselves so I'll end here with another great door shot! Also notice the beautiful Parquet de Versailles styled floors.</div></div></div></div></div></div>

Petit Trianon: Dining Room

Much like it's neighbor, Versailles (which it is said to have had the first room dedicated entirely to private dining, setting the fashi...

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Petit Trianon: antechamber

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7-z_1jMEBD5Q78IJIP_17gQkGQMW9I4pfJlhHefGuKtx4LN7-zhglbs3HBFonVoUoG4F_35AZlLINbUMZGo_Y7FiiL6EWG9rz4una54sJMTWwmxZuFN0YDWwQYgTyEy6-pVFDwK3IrJS/s1600-h/marie+antoinette.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432649749833021970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7-z_1jMEBD5Q78IJIP_17gQkGQMW9I4pfJlhHefGuKtx4LN7-zhglbs3HBFonVoUoG4F_35AZlLINbUMZGo_Y7FiiL6EWG9rz4una54sJMTWwmxZuFN0YDWwQYgTyEy6-pVFDwK3IrJS/s400/marie+antoinette.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 338px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I thought I would begin the tour of Marie Antoinette's personal rooms with her monogram. This metalwork of her initials are the doorknobs (modern) of the tour entrance to the Petit Trianon, where the gift shop is. You are then led through the service courtyard, <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2010/01/petit-trianon-billiard-and-guards-rooms.html">along the rough stone corridor, through the guards chamber</a>, up the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2010/01/petit-trianon-grand-stairhall.html">grand staircase</a> and arrive at the Antechamber or anteroom (follow all that without getting lost?).<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseelTm3RPWrBYEZ7CxuYZMxon-fy3ixV2ZAbokF51KhM-hd-dZxbxYdtXG27NT0KvUIQ0fVT4QwmJP3NBFsTxFtPOReokQHy5MEtWZHBIlrUQVe40mKEt0xuUKcSdsn-K4gZkVLf5tom1/s1600-h/anteroom.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432649744362103026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseelTm3RPWrBYEZ7CxuYZMxon-fy3ixV2ZAbokF51KhM-hd-dZxbxYdtXG27NT0KvUIQ0fVT4QwmJP3NBFsTxFtPOReokQHy5MEtWZHBIlrUQVe40mKEt0xuUKcSdsn-K4gZkVLf5tom1/s400/anteroom.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>This is a small room which seperates the 'public' grand stairhall from the dining room. The room continues the beautiful soft green seen in the billiards room but with more highly finished boiseries. As this building is done in the neoclassical style (and for me is the epitome of it), the boiseries are delicate: narrow stiles and rails with restrained ornamentation. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432649752312095602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqH5OyeaPKdHY9fQwkp4z52sThVKtv0DqZRSFkcWGBti_AGt-XKq57NsdST9I-Max0j8ZHPFgwCr7_P5xvTsqxxLi-KZ6g0Qy-mAuECrSpTBuNdCi4nTcyl3RgP5YyfsOSzRzXeiKXeqmR/s400/1st+floor+anteroom+plan.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div>You see the room above off the grand stairhall in blue. The single window on the left faces the formal French Garden with the view culminating at the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2009/09/french-pavilion.html">French Pavilion</a>. The 2 windows on the bottom of the plan face the entry courtyard. The French garden was left in the more formal style put in place by Madame de Pompadour and Louis XV while the rest of the gardens were done in a more casual 'English' garden style favored at the time, as witnessed today when you visit.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EVV89k8RSUwS9Tz-24tpWo1dxsTdfuid4P-3CiEu7wf85YMSUXWkc5iLJ7TH52x7YPthmXpkYs0UgN9iQm_zC_0ZHNA4hDKBTVt3BG-5yJambZkiYF9fwHiaSMw-zXtay4o3DMfP-aWX/s1600-h/the+view.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432649563072636562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EVV89k8RSUwS9Tz-24tpWo1dxsTdfuid4P-3CiEu7wf85YMSUXWkc5iLJ7TH52x7YPthmXpkYs0UgN9iQm_zC_0ZHNA4hDKBTVt3BG-5yJambZkiYF9fwHiaSMw-zXtay4o3DMfP-aWX/s400/the+view.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The room is lit by a traditional french lantern befitting the style. Under the lantern you see the top of the famous Portrait of MA, 'Marie Antoinette a la rose' by Elizabeth Vigee-Lebrun.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPa6GfYd4MDmeqEH1bBRRMV4nMknLQ5_UspCgtFQLbyIdu4de86P4E4QkDrPCwxA4frIzMSa9NETok6xLH5x32Y1MTXae4mq8w0htexlyUh6L45STPlux2P0HrFPhqmYkUcYHnLNXRu0b/s1600-h/light+fixture.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432649549721699442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPa6GfYd4MDmeqEH1bBRRMV4nMknLQ5_UspCgtFQLbyIdu4de86P4E4QkDrPCwxA4frIzMSa9NETok6xLH5x32Y1MTXae4mq8w0htexlyUh6L45STPlux2P0HrFPhqmYkUcYHnLNXRu0b/s400/light+fixture.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 321px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The portrait was hurriedly comissioned in 1783 after the first portrait of Marie Antoinette by Lebrun created a scandal for the informal way in which she was depicted. So in this portrait, she is shown in high 'court' style in full makeup and satin gown.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432649556104572546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP9pJI7D3rjy6OsFblhhpv4P_EsLp4Q0KBozL60cOw_fZkcaO3pnNMXyyDxImfeq-yq8uIsb-NZL7ECf0u2Sa5QsiHjkRvQok2Pal1cOTmiZKtHqYE_easPOHDMRBkmuCiYpWXvd4t6Wk/s400/Marie_Antoinette+a+la+rose+1783.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 335px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The room has 2 beautiful white marble busts on columns flanking the window with the garden view, but unfortuantely I can't remember who they are!<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432649543037672242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6hIPp9LP2YOrdLu2Xsaq0rUwJh9hI14UXr47MFs9Wr1s1RyvK1aysD-eYR37wtPy3F8Wi5LrKYRa3DF7d4rzYijN4bUlewvU7DMOKarHa8UdHJYpQGtXWlTAWhDsyNjWmjWLllsxin9b/s400/bust.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The doors leading into the dining room have a more ornate boiserie and again, beautiful gilded bronze hardware. Imagine carving all of this by hand!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCRRVIkfhTH94BINKuIdR9EZEKFKmh9uhf7zIG56DDkVa6okErhfyCnfAFU-sDlpvcR2EL-JMt7YzfCbkMz9YlbD9DoBuGP52yVpzYnS6pE3mTVHzhnsMIfdAkZKWSNFMx3fPCm61VXgR/s1600-h/door+detail.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432649547676247058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCRRVIkfhTH94BINKuIdR9EZEKFKmh9uhf7zIG56DDkVa6okErhfyCnfAFU-sDlpvcR2EL-JMt7YzfCbkMz9YlbD9DoBuGP52yVpzYnS6pE3mTVHzhnsMIfdAkZKWSNFMx3fPCm61VXgR/s400/door+detail.JPG" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div>

Petit Trianon: antechamber

I thought I would begin the tour of Marie Antoinette's personal rooms with her monogram. This metalwork of her initials are the doorkno...

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