The Hercules Room is the last room to be built by Louis XIV to showcase the large painting by Veronese famously known as the Meal at the House of Simon. Above it lies the largest ceiling painted in Europe depicting some 140 figures of the Gods and Goddesses of Olympus.
The Hercules Room was completed in 1736 with a painted ceiling called The Apotheosis of Hercules by François Lemoyne. The painting gave the room its name. Apotheosis implies the elevation of a human being to divine status. Here, Gods and Goddesses of Olympus have gathered for the arrival of Hercules after his labours raised him to the ranks of God. This piece was seen as a metaphor to the merits of the French King.
In the centre, Hercules arrives on his chariot at Mount Olympus where Jupiter offers his daughter Hebe in marriage to him.
On the other side of the room from Simon, the second painting by Veronese known as Eliezer and Rebecca hangs above the fire place.
Like all other rooms of the King's apartments, the Venus Room was named after a planet as a theme which was linked to the mythology which inspired the decoration of Versailles. In this room, Venus is depicted as the Goddess of Love. This is also where the statue of King Louis XIV is portrayed as a Roman Emperor in his 30s.
Ceiling of the Venus Room
The Throne Room: Apollo on the chariot of the Sun accompanied by the seasons
The War Salon: Louis XIV trampling his enemies
The most famous room of Versailles
The Hall of Mirrors
"La Galerie des Glaces"
The ceiling consists of some 30 paintings by Le Brun which depict the glorious history of The Sun King Louis XIV during the first 18 years of his reign, from 1661 to the peace treaties of Nijmegen.
The Peace Salon
The King's Bedroom
Bust of Louis XIV
The Council Cabinet - The very room in which the Great Decisions of France were taken
Heading to the Queen's Apartments
The Queen's Bedchamber
The golden decorations above the Queen's bed are centered around the Austrian Imperial Eagle which was the Symbol of Marie Antoinette's family.
The Salon of the Nobility
An unusual clock compared to the ones we are accustomed. Here, the time is displayed on the upper cylindrical mechanism while the hands of the rounded structure indicate the corresponding day, date and month.
The Gallery of Great Battles
The 1830 Room
The Truth accompanied by Justice and Wisdom, protecting France against Hypocrisy, Fanaticism and Discord
