Petit Trianon
The Petit Trianon is a splendid example of Neoclassical architecture, nestled within the expansive grounds of the Palace of Versailles in Versailles, France. Constructed between 1762 and 1768 by the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the chateau was commissioned by King Louis XV as a gift for his long-time mistress, Madame de Pompadour. Unfortunately, Madame de Pompadour passed away before its completion, and it was subsequently given to Madame du Barry, his next mistress.
Marie Antoinette and the Petit Trianon
The Petit Trianon is most famously associated with Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the French Revolution. In 1774, King Louis XVI gifted it to Marie Antoinette, who sought refuge from the rigors and formality of court life. She transformed the surrounding gardens into the Hameau de la Reine, a rustic hamlet designed to mimic a quaint village, where she and her companions would escape to play peasant.
Marie Antoinette’s connection to the Petit Trianon has become a symbol of her perceived disconnect from the struggles of the French populace, eventually contributing to her unpopularity and the outrage that led to her imprisonment and execution during the Revolution.
Architectural Significance
The Petit Trianon exemplifies the transition from the Baroque style to a purer, simpler form of Neoclassicism. Its design emphasizes symmetry, with clear lines and minimal ornamentation, setting it apart from the more opulent Grand Trianon nearby. The structure is composed of four facades, each distinctly different, reflecting the seamless blend of architecture with the surrounding landscape.
The Ghosts of the Petit Trianon
A segment of modern folklore involves the Petit Trianon in what is known as the Moberly-Jourdain incident, alleged sightings of ghosts or a time slip experienced by two English women in 1901. They claimed to have seen ghostly figures, including Marie Antoinette, during a visit, which has intrigued historians and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Legacy and Influence
The Petit Trianon has inspired numerous works of literature and film, such as the 2006 film "Marie Antoinette" directed by Sofia Coppola. The building, along with its gardens and auxiliary structures like the Belvédère, remain a significant attraction and a subject of study for those interested in the life and times of Marie Antoinette.