File: D’Artagnan, from Musketeer to Governor

A proud Gascon

Known for having formed, with the other three musketeers, Alexandre Dumas’ famous foursome, the real d’Artagnan led a dramatic life.  He was assigned particularly difficult missions by Louis XIV, starting with the arrest of Fouquet.  However, the honours which accompanied the end of his life never prevented him from demonstrating his bravery, and his appointment as Governor of Lille was one of his proudest achievements.  During the siege of Maastricht, he lost his life in a battle he should not have been a part of.  He died as he had lived: in the service of the king.

(David Chanteranne, Chief Editor of Château de Versailles. De l’Ancien régime à nos jours)

Contents:

Versailles and I

Robert Carsen

‘The secret Versailles appeals to me’

Cover

D’Artagnan, from Musketeer to Governor

Objects

The Mazarin Faun, known as the Greek Faun

In the château

Lighting and heating at the court of Versailles

Portfolio

Jean Cotelle (1646-1708), of gardens and gods

Figure

Abel-François Poisson, Marquis of Marigny

Report

Gardener at the Grand Trianon, in charge of the formal gardens.

War

Flag officers’ uniform, from 1744 to the Revolution

Diplomacy

Catherine the Great and Louis XVI

Heritage

Two myths for the Queen’s Nobles’ Room

Tour

The Hamlet under Napoleon, the story of a safeguard

Archives and discoveries

‘Empress Josephine's’ bed in the Petit Trianon

20^th century

Marcel Proust and Versailles

Co-editors : Versailles Palace and Soteca Edition

Number of pages : 82 pages
Date of release : july 2018
Dimensions : 23 x 29,7 cm
Languages available : French