The Hercules Salon

The scale shifts dramatically from the rooms seen so far: this is where the King's State Apartment begins. An "apartment" technically refers to an independent living space within a palace, but this was less a private retreat where the king relaxed than a stage on which he performed his role as the Sun King before nobles from across Europe. Seven such rooms follow, each representing a planet orbiting the sun — Louis XIV himself — with a god symbolizing that planet painted on its ceiling.

The ceiling of this room depicts Hercules ascending to Olympus to become a god, surrounded by figures representing strength, endurance, justice, and prudence — virtues meant to reflect Louis XIV's own heroic character.

Covering one entire wall is "The Feast in the House of Simon," depicting the moment Simon hosts Jesus for a meal while Mary, a sinner, washes Jesus's feet with her own hair. This painting was a gift from the Republic of Venice, intended to strengthen ties with France. Louis XIV treasured it greatly, but its enormous size made it difficult to find a suitable place to display it; it was first kept at the Louvre before a dedicated space was finally created for it as Versailles expanded — this very room. Placing such a magnificent gift in the first room of the King's Apartment sent a clear message to visitors: here was a king worthy of receiving such treasures. Befitting its splendor, this room also served as a venue for banquets.