Design for First Day from Les Plaisirs de l'Ile Enchantée (Pleasures of the Enchanted Island)
Maker and role
Artist: Israel Sylvestre, French, 1621-1691
After: Carlo Vigarani, Italian, 1622-1713
Year
1664
Object detail
Media/Materials
Engraving
Credit line
Gift of The Tobin Endowment
Accession number
TL2004.28.6
Object type
Department
Location
Further information
Les Plaisirs de l'Ile Enchantée was the earliest and one of the most famous of the fêtes that Louis XIV hosted at Versailles. The King and his court took part in this three-day spectacle, loosely adapted from Ludovico Ariosto's Orlando Furioso. In this chivalric romance, Roger, a knight portrayed by Louis XIV on the First Day, is seduced by Alcine, a sorceress who spirits him away to her enchanted island.
Based on the designs of Israel Sylvestre, an entire island was constructed on Versailles lake, only to be destroyed during the grand finale's spectacular display of fireworks.
Based on the designs of Israel Sylvestre, an entire island was constructed on Versailles lake, only to be destroyed during the grand finale's spectacular display of fireworks.
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