© EPV / Medhi Toumi
In a spectacular celebration of equestrian heritage, the Palace of Versailles is hosting an extraordinary exhibition titled “Horse in Majesty – At the Heart of a Civilisation.” Coinciding with the equestrian events of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, this exhibition runs from July 2 to November 3, 2024, and promises to be a monumental exploration of the role of horses in European civilization.
A Historic Exploration
The “Horse in Majesty” exhibition is the first of its kind on such a grand scale, bringing together nearly 300 works from around the world. These exceptional loans highlight the diverse roles and uses of horses in both civil and military societies from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. The exhibition traces the evolution of equestrian civilization up to the eve of the First World War, a pivotal moment marking the end of horse-drawn society and the transition of horses to leisure roles.
Visitors to the exhibition will embark on a captivating tour through several iconic areas of the Palace of Versailles, including the Africa Rooms, the King’s State Apartment, the Hall of Mirrors, Madame Maintenon’s Apartment, and the Dauphine’s Apartment. The exhibition is divided into thirteen sections, each offering a unique perspective on the significance of horses in history and art.
Highlights of the Horse in Majesty Exhibition at Versailles
One of the standout features of the exhibition is the gallery of princes’ favorite horses. Here, visitors can admire Charles XI of Sweden’s collection of horse portraits and more intimate portrayals, such as those of Queen Victoria’s Arabian horses. The exhibition also showcases the grandeur of aristocratic and royal stables built in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, underscoring the importance of horses in displays of power during the Ancien Régime.
Equestrian festivals, which played a pivotal role in the life of European courts, are another key focus of the exhibition. Visitors will have the opportunity to see rare examples of these ephemeral festive arts, offering a glimpse into the past splendor of royal celebrations.
“Horse in Majesty” also delves into the relationship between art and science in the anatomical studies of horses. For the first time, early drawings by Andrea del Verrocchio and Leonardo da Vinci are exhibited together, thanks to a collaboration between New York’s Metropolitan Museum and the English Royal Collections. These iconic works provide a fascinating insight into the early scientific exploration of equine anatomy.
The exhibition is curated by Laurent Salomé, Director of the Musée National des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon, and Hélène Delalex, Heritage Curator at the Musée National des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon. Their expertise and vision have brought together a breathtaking collection that celebrates the majesty and historical significance of horses.
A Special Note
The “Horse in Majesty” exhibition will be available to see during the French-American Cultural Foundation’s annual trip to Versailles, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience this remarkable showcase of equestrian heritage.
Don’t miss this extraordinary exhibition at the Palace of Versailles, where history, art, and the noble horse come together in a spectacular celebration of European civilization.