It is the first time that the Chariot of Apollo is removed from its Fountain, where it was placed in 1761, during the reign of Louis XIV
The Chariot of Apollo lifted from its base, at the God’s Fountain, in the magnificent gardens of the Palace of Versailles, to be moved for 18 months of maintenance.
It is the first time that the iconic, gilded sculpture by Jean-Baptiste Tymby has been removed from the Fountain of Apollo, where it was placed in 1761, during the reign of Louis XIV, the so-called “Sun King”. Until today, maintenance was limited to its surface only.
“Apollo suffers from time,” Jacques Moulin, the chief architect of Versailles, told Reuters.
The metal structure that supported the Fountain for three centuries – consisting of 13 statues and weighs 30 tons – rusted and bentthat’s why a fix is urgently needed, Mullen explained.
“Up close, one can clearly see the damage to the sculptures,” noted Catherine Pegar, the president of the Palace of Versailles, recalling that the maintenance had been considered “urgent” and a decade ago.
The 13 statues will be taken apart, restored and again put through the gilding process while the stone base will be reinforced.
“As you know, we are preparing for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. And with the equestrian events being hosted here, we will have the golden, impressive Chariot of Apollo as a backdrop,” added Pegar.
RES-EMP
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
