Gezicht op het interieur van de kapel van het Paleis van Versailles 18th century

This print by Basset depicts the chapel at the Palace of Versailles. Its architectural features serve as a powerful statement of royal authority and divine right, reflecting the close alliance between the French monarchy and the Catholic Church. The chapel's design, with its elevated galleries and ornate detailing, physically separated the royal family from the rest of the court, reinforcing the social hierarchy. Commissioned by Louis XIV, the chapel was not merely a place of worship but a stage for royal ceremony, reinforcing the king's power through spectacle. By the time of its completion in 1710, Versailles had become a symbol of royal absolutism, inspiring both admiration and resentment. Art historians consult architectural plans, royal records, and contemporary accounts to understand the chapel’s significance. Examining its design in relation to the social and political context of the time reveals the complex interplay between art, power, and ideology.