An interdisciplinary exploration of the meanings and uses of the palace and gardens of Versailles, from their creation as center of absolute monarchy under Louis XIV to their present status as an iconic site of French and European cultural heritage. The course aims in particular to study Versailles as a microcosm embodying a certain view of the world, and to highlight the roles that foreigners (artists, queens, diplomats, tourists) have played throughout its history. Readings will consist of a mix of primary sources and critical essays and will be complemented by various visual materials, ranging from original prints to websites and films.
