The Hall of Plenty

You've just entered the smallest room in the King's Grand Apartment.

Yet it is also the room that symbolizes the greatest abundance.

If you look up at the ceiling, you'll see two goddesses at the center.

Beside the Goddess of Abundance, draped in pink, gold and silver treasures pour down from the heavens to the world below.

Next to her sits the Goddess of Generosity, dressed in blue, with a calm and gracious expression.

Together, they symbolize that Louis XIV generously bestowed prosperity upon his people.

The first thing Louis XIV wanted guests to notice was the royal vessel high on the front wall.

It's a painting modeled on one of Louis XIV's own ceremonial vessels, containing an astonishing 27 kilograms of gold.

The vessel itself was such a powerful symbol of royal authority that visitors were even expected to bow to it.

During grand banquets, it was placed on the dining table,

where it was used to hold Louis XIV's napkin. At other times, it was kept in the Cabinet of Curiosities.

That's the room beneath the vessel you're looking at now.

True to its name, the Cabinet of Curiosities was designed to spark one question in the minds of outsiders:

"What could possibly be inside?" Only a select few were ever allowed to enter.

So, what was inside?

Treasures.

Whenever the pressures of ruling became overwhelming, Louis XIV would retreat to the Cabinet of Curiosities, where he found comfort among jewels, medals, precious vessels, and sculptures.

So, has your curiosity been satisfied?

Now, let's move on to the next room.