Apotheosis of Hercules
2004 © Maxim Tabachnik
Cottage in Marie Antoinette’s HamletGalerie des BataillesLuis and JJ at the Cour d’HonneurLouis XIV on HorsebackLouis XIV as Roman EmperorApotheosis of HerculesParterre of the OrangeryMax, Luis, and JJ at Latona FountainApollo in His ChariotLuis and JJ in the Allée des Deux-TrianonsThe Apotheosis of HerculesMercury Presenting the Arts to Apollo

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.