Apotheosis of Hercules
2004 © Maxim Tabachnik
Temple of LoveGardens of VersaillesLouis XV in the Salon de Mercure
Apotheosis of HerculesThe Apotheosis of Hercules
The Pilgrims at EmmausCandelabras, Hall of MirrorsWar RoomFountain of AmphitritePetting Goats at the Hameau de la ReineMax with Gary at Court of HonourColumn of the Temple of GloryMarie Antoinette’s BedMax at the Orangerie TerraceMarble CourtyardThe Orangerie and Swiss LakeMarlborough Tower and DairyRustic RetreatRiver God with ChildMom at the Hall of MirrorsParterre de l’OrangerieKing’s State BedThe Meal at the House of SimonAstronomical ClockQueen’s Bedchamber Canopy and AlcoveRoom of MarsAlley of the MusesStatue of Louis XIVCottage in Marie Antoinette’s HamletGalerie des BataillesLuis and JJ at the Cour d’HonneurLouis XIV on HorsebackLouis XIV as Roman EmperorParterre of the OrangeryMax, Luis, and JJ at Latona FountainApollo in His ChariotLuis and JJ in the Allée des Deux-TrianonsMercury Presenting the Arts to ApolloQueens of France in the Grand CouvertCarp in the Grand Canal

Apotheosis of HerculesFrançois Lemoyne

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This vast oval ceiling fresco (1733) shows Hercules lifted toward a bright cloud, surrounded by assembled gods and airborne figures within a heavy gilded frame. It was commissioned for the Salon d’Hercule under Louis XV as a major decorative project at Versailles. The scene may connect to royal efforts to align the French monarchy with heroic and divine favor.