The Apollo-Fountain is a renowned piece of art and architecture situated in the Versailles Gardens in France. This impressive fountain is centered around the Greek god Apollo, known for his association with music, truth, and prophecy.
The Apollo-Fountain was conceived by Louis XIV as part of his extensive project to transform the royal estate of Versailles into a showcase of French art, architecture, and landscape design. The design of the fountain was entrusted to Charles Le Brun, the principal painter to the king, with the actual construction supervised by André Le Nôtre, who was responsible for the overall garden design.
The Apollo-Fountain depicts Apollo driving a chariot, symbolizing the sun, which is an allegory for Louis XIV himself, who was known as the Sun King. Here are some key elements:
Over the centuries, the Apollo-Fountain has undergone several restorations to preserve its original splendor:
The fountain is not only a visual masterpiece but also holds cultural and historical significance: