Assemblée des Notables, Versailles, 1787 1787

Jean-Michel Moreau the Younger's 1787 drawing "Assemblée des Notables, Versailles, 1787" depicts a pivotal moment in French history: King Louis XVI convening the Assembly of Notables at the Palace of Versailles. This event, intended to address the country's financial crisis, ultimately sparked the French Revolution. The detailed drawing captures the grandeur of the palace interior, with its ornate ceiling, tapestries, and the assembly's formal attire. The composition, showcasing the king and the notables, underscores the power dynamics of the pre-revolutionary era. It is a historical document and a visually compelling representation of the French court.