Versailles Palace from a decorative painter’s eye: Real ornament

Exterior marble White Carrera, vein-less.  You can really see the effect of rain over the years – see the rounding of the carvings.

This is a classic, super ornate ceiling.  Typical of 19^th c and created under Louis Philippe.

Notice the trompe l’oeil door.

There’s amazing detail achieved in this 18^th c, Louis XVI ornament.  The hand-carved, chiseled and refined limestone is quite an achievement due to the soft and delicate nature of limestone.

A classic, low-relief carving on wood with grey gesso and rabbit skin glue.

Louis XVI, Baroque style.

“Oeil de boeuf” (eye of the ox), classic ocular window beautifully carved in sandstone.   I am taken by the quality detail and refinement of the laurel and ribbons.  To get such detail is amazing with the period’s rudimentary tools of the mallet and chisel.

This base of a spiral fluted vase is adorned with acanthus leaves in a vein-less White Carrera marble.  Beautifully chiseled and honed.

Detail of interlaced trellis at the base of a vase

Great detail of acanthus vase base.  Notice reflective highlights on left and beautiful cast shadow the depths of the leaf.  This is a tremendous resource for trompe l’oeil.

This vase has fluted carving and foliage.  The low light gives a soft shadow which is a perfect reference for trompe l’oeil. It’s amazing to think this was carved from one big block of marble. What a mastery!

A laurel wreath under perfect lighting for a painted study.

A classic design repeat pattern.