Discover how Louis XIV has turned the Palace of Versailles into a new Rome with the exhibition Versailles and Antiquity, from 13 November 2012 to 17 March 2013.

Discover how Louis XIV has turned the Palace of Versailles into a new Rome with the exhibition Versailles and Antiquity, from 13 November 2012 to 17 March 2013.

Set-up of the exhibition Versailles and Antiquity, the antique sculptures of Louis XIV returns to the Palace.

Discover how Louis XIV has turned the Palace of Versailles into a new Rome with the exhibition Versailles and Antiquity, from 13 November 2012 to 17 March 2013.

Henri Loyrette, President-director of the Louvre Museum, and Catherine Pégard, President of the Palace of Versailles, present the exhibition Versailles and Antiquity.

Henri Loyrette, President-director of the Louvre Museum, and Catherine Pégard, President of the Palace of Versailles, present the exhibition Versailles and Antiquity.

Since the 16th century and François 1st, kings and statesmen want to possess and show off the rarest antique works. Their desire: use these vestiges of past glory to demonstrate their own power and wealth...

Since the 16th century and François 1st, kings and statesmen want to possess and show off the rarest antique works. Their desire: use these vestiges of past glory to demonstrate their own power and wealth...

1661. At the beginning of the personal reign of Louis XIV, Colbert began to put together the modest royal collection of antiquities. But it was in 1665 that the true turning-point occurred in the royal acquisition policy: After the indirect criticisms of the king's taste by the artist Bernini, Louis XIV revealed as never before his interest in Antiquity.

1661. At the beginning of the personal reign of Louis XIV, Colbert began to put together the modest royal collection of antiquities. But it was in 1665 that the true turning-point occurred in the royal acquisition policy: After the indirect criticisms of the king's taste by the artist Bernini, Louis XIV revealed as never before his interest in Antiquity.