“Two vases of white marble, in three pieces,” the inventory from 1707 reads. These words, once scribbled in ink on a parchment page, describe the Vase à décor de pampres de vigne. This magnificent, almost six feet tall, masterpiece, crafted in 1687, is a prime example of the grand aesthetics of the time. It’s a testament to the artistic prowess of Jean Raon, an acclaimed sculptor entrusted with bringing his vision to life in the gardens of Versailles. It’s more than just a vase. It embodies an era, a story of opulence, of a king with a penchant for the extraordinary. Look at the carvings, the intricate details. Notice the grapevines that entwine the body, laden with leaves and clusters of ripe grapes — a testament to the rich harvests of the French countryside. Imagine, the Vase à décor de pampres de vigne stands today as a silent sentinel, guarding the history of French art and the legacy of the Sun King.
Église Notre-Dame de l’Air
Beneath what appears to be a simple stone and wood structure lies a history interwoven with faith aviation and community.