The Peace Room

This is the Room of Peace.

Together with the Room of War, which we just visited, it forms a symmetrical pair on either side of the Hall of Mirrors.

While the Room of War celebrates Louis XIV's military victories, this room honors the peace that those victories were believed to have brought.

Take a look at the gardens outside the windows.

They look wonderfully peaceful, don't they?

The composition of the ceiling painting is remarkably similar to the one we saw in the Room of War.

Once again, at the center is a figure representing France, holding a shield and wearing a blue cloak embroidered with the lilies of the House of Bourbon.

Around her are figures symbolizing the immortality, peace, prosperity, and grandeur that France gained through its victories.

Now, let's take a look at the painting at the front of the room.

Louis is offering an olive branch, the symbol of peace, to Princess Europa, the figure from whom Europe takes its name.

The painting symbolizes France bringing peace to Europe.

But the Louis in this painting is not Louis XIV. It's Louis XV.

After a lifetime spent fighting countless wars, Louis XIV left these words to his great-grandson, Louis XV:

"Do not be like me."

"Avoid war whenever possible, and lighten the burdens of your people."

"Be a peaceful king."

They are said to have been his final words of regret, reflecting on how his constant focus on war had caused him to neglect the well-being of his people.

Unfortunately, Louis XV also became involved in costly wars, making France's already troubled finances even worse.

So far, we've explored the reign of Louis XIV, when the French absolute monarchy reached its height. From here on, we'll meet new figures, including Louis XV, Marie Antoinette, and Napoleon.

Now, shall we move on and meet them?