View of the Park at Versailles: Trees and Statuary n.d.

Antoine Pierre Mongin rendered this watercolor and graphite drawing of the Versailles park, sometime between 1762 and 1827. It shows a very controlled landscape; the trees are aligned, and sculptures are placed in specific positions. The park of Versailles was designed as an extension of the palace, a symbol of royal power. It physically manifested the monarchy's dominance over nature, which was reflective of their perceived right to rule over society. Mongin’s drawing, made after the French Revolution, invites us to consider how such symbols were re-evaluated during and after this period of upheaval. Did the park retain its associations with monarchy and aristocracy, or was it reimagined as a space accessible to all? To understand the social and institutional history of Versailles, researchers might consult archival documents, landscape designs, and visitor accounts. These sources can help us understand how the park functioned as a site of power and how its meaning has changed over time.