Menagerie in de tuinen van het paleis van Versailles, 1726 1726

This etching, "Menagerie in de tuinen van het paleis van Versailles", made in 1726 by an anonymous artist, offers us a glimpse into the spectacle of royal power and the exoticism that defined the era. The menagerie at Versailles, more than just a collection of animals, served as a display of Louis XIV's dominion over nature and the world beyond France. In those times, exotic animals were seen as symbols of wealth, power, and global reach. They were collected through colonial expeditions and trade. Consider how the animals were uprooted from their native lands and placed in an artificial environment for the amusement of the French court. This resonates with broader themes of colonialism and the exploitation of both natural and human resources. It invites us to reflect on how power dynamics shape not only the lives of people but also the destinies of animals. The artist gives us a chance to see the intersection of art, power, and the natural world.