
The Gardens of Versailles with Marie Dessaillen
The daughter of a sculptor, Marie has been surrounded by art ever since she was born. A native Parisienne, she holds an undergraduate degree in history and art history, with a specialty in iconography and French and Flemish paintings from the 16th to the 18th centuries. She also holds a Master's degree in museology from the Ecole du Louvre and one in Art History from the Sorbonne.
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
Wonderful session on the gardens of Versailles, well balanced presentation of photos and facts. History components were fascinating, styles of gardens, royal court traditions and inspirations. Marie is a fabulous guide. Highly recommend!
As usual mme Marie was succinct ,and pithy in her presentation .The histilorical background and ancestry of Louis quatotoze gave an added dimension of his theatrical presentations in the garden .Another facet that I had not discovered was the perspective and the disappearing dimensions I had not been aware of before Marie’s lecture .I loved the explanations of the fountains and aqueducts .The grilling of Thetu had not been mentioned before in any of my visits to Versailles .Years ago I prepared for the Paris Marathon at Versailles .In 1999 when I returned for another preparation I was devastated to see the loss of the beautiful trees .I am happy to see and hear many are being replanted .Merci ,Madame for a beautiful historically accurate lecture .You imbue your audience with an appreciation of your love of art history .Sincerely June OReilly DDs
This was my sixth Context talk with Marie. She has the most extraordinary spirit and passion. She translates the breadth and depth of her knowledge into an easy to follow narrative that leaves you with an appreciation of the subject and desire to learn more (and visit someday).
Thank you so much, Marie. I very much hope for an in-person tour with you someday.
Marie is incredibly knowledgeable about the gardens and their history. I had no idea that the garden complex was so large. I liked the way she intertwined the gardens, the castle and the culture of the times.
It was such a thrill to learn so much about The Gardens of Versailles. Marie is such a knowledgeable expert.