China And Versailles 1670- 1789: Diplomacy, Fascination, And Influences

EVENT DESCRIPTION

In the end of the 17th Century, a very specific diplomatic relationship was born between China and France, thanks to Louis XIV. In 1686, the King sent French Jesuit fathers in China who occupied a special place at the Emperor’s court thanks to their deep knowledges in astronomy and mathematics.

Simultaneously, numerous chinese works of art were introduced in France through the intermediary of different East Indies Companies. These importations led to a true fascination of the Court of France for these exotic productions.

Eventually, the importance of the chinese importations in France had a great influence on many fields of French art. The chinese topics penetrated these different areas with a lot of success.

Zoom Speaker: Marie-Laure de Rochebrune, Chief curator, Palace of Versailles
Moderator: Dr Estelle Niklès van Osselt, Curator, Hong Kong Palace Museum