This spring, the Château of Versailles offers you a unique exhibition which retraces the work and career of court artist Charles de la Fosse. This 17th century artist, considered as the best colourist of his time, was commissioned by Louis XIVth to create numerous decors in the palace of Versailles and in the Tuileries Palace in Paris.

Charles de la Fosse studied art in Italy before starting his long career in France. Director of the Royal Academy of art and sculpture between 1699 and 1702, he was commissioned for major royal and private projects. The exhibition offers an interesting insight on the decoration style popular at the time and showcases 80 paintings and drawings divided in 6 sections.

We recommend you start you visit of Versailles by the exhibition, before exploring the Palace and Trianons. You will discover an artist ahead of his time, with a fascinating sense of colour. Later, during your visit, you can admire more of his work in situ, including the magnificent ceiling of the Royal Chapel, or the beautiful decor of the Salon des Malachites, Salon de Diane or Apollon.

The Charles de la Fosse exhibition takes place in Madame de Maintenon’s apartments in the Château from 24/02/2015 to 24/05/2015.

Open daily except on Mondays (Château closing day) from 9 am to 5.30 pm in low season (until 31 March) and from 9 am to 6.30 pm in high season (from 1 April).

This temporary exhibition is free, like most temporary exhibitions in Versailles it is included in the Château entrance fee.