Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This comprehensive monograph provides an exclusive look inside the magnificent ch teau Vaux-le-Vicomte that inspired the envy of Louis XIV and today continues to enchant visitors from around the world. Ch teau Vaux-le-Vicomte's rich history began in 1641 when French minister Nicolas Fouquet hired the most talented artisans--architect Louis Le Vau, painter Charles le Brun, and garden designer Andr Le Notre--to create an extravagant palace and estate that achieved perfect harmony in architecture, decor, and landscape. There, he surrounded himself with exquisite art, and the greatest poets, writers, and musicians. The exquisite beauty of Vaux-le-Vicomte, its spectacular gardens, and glittering parties fascinated Louis XIV and were an inspiration for Versailles, though jealous courtiers later encouraged the king to disgrace Fouquet and confiscate the estate.
In the nineteenth century, industrialist Alfred Sommier began restoring this masterpiece of seventeenth century art, decoration, and architecture to its original splendor. His descendants--current owners Patrice and Cristina de Vog , with their sons Jean-Charles, Alexandre, and Ascanio--continue to care for the important historical monument.
Previously unpublished photographs and archival documents offer a unique visit, illuminating the secrets of French aristocratic life and centuries of celebrations, including the enchanting candlelit tours held today.
Synopsis
This comprehensive monograph is an exclusive look inside the ch teau that inspired the design of Versailles and today continues to enchant visitors and film directors alike. Vaux-le-Vicomte's rich history began in 1641 when infamous French Finance Minister Nicolas Fouquet, the original owner, surrounded himself with the most skilled and talented artisans of the time: the architect Louis Le Vau, the painter Charles le Brun, and the garden designer Andr Le Notre, to create a perfect harmony between architecture and landscape. The Ch teau de Vaux-le-Vicomte and its spectacular gardens fascinated Louis XIV and were the inspiration for Versailles. Classified as a historical monument since 1875 under the impetus of the owner at the time, the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte quickly became a model of the artistic genius of the seventeenth century. The current owners of the ch teau granted the photographer carte blanche access to the castle and its grounds, and exclusive photographs have been taken for this book.
This volume traces the ch teau's history from the seventeenth-century through the Belle poque, World War I, and its public opening in 1968. Exclusive photography and archival documents offer unprecedented access to the ch teau, furnishings, and gardens, and illuminate the extraordinary secrets of court life and centuries of celebrations that include the enchanting candlelit tours held today.