Salon d'Hercule, State room in Palace of Versailles, France
The Salon d'Hercule is a state room in the Palace of Versailles decorated with marble surfaces, bronze ornaments, and a large ceiling painting of the Apotheosis of Hercules created by François Lemoyne. The space connects the Royal Chapel in the North Wing to the grand appartement du roi on the palace's first floor.
Construction of this state room began in 1712 under architect Robert de Cotte and paused following Louis XIV's death in 1715. Work resumed in 1729 and the room was completed in 1736.
The room displays Veronese's painting 'Feast in the House of Simon', a diplomatic gift Louis XIV received in 1664 that became a centerpiece of the royal collection. This work occupies a prominent position and invites visitors to explore the artistic richness surrounding it.
The room sits at a key junction within the palace and is easily reached when moving between the Chapel area and the King's apartments. Walking through the space provides a natural passage that connects these two important sections of the palace.
The room was inaugurated on January 26, 1739, with a grand ball celebrating the wedding of Louis XV's daughter to a Spanish Infante. This celebration marked one of the most splendid occasions of Louis XV's early reign.
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