Paris Olympic games: Equestrian Elegance at Versailles
The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics are currently weaving a spectacular tapestry of art and sport, with equestrian competitions unfolding amidst the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles. This historic venue, deeply entwined with horse-riding heritage, is hosting the equestrian events of the Games, creating a dramatic intersection of tradition and modernity.
Originally a hunting lodge for Louis XIII, the Palace of Versailles was transformed into an emblem of opulence under Louis XIV. It stands as a symbol of grandeur, renowned for its architecture, gardens, and the Hall of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed. Yet, its connection to horses extends back to the early 17th century, when royal hunts established a deep bond with equestrianism.
Jean-Baptiste Martin. The Stables Viewed from the Château at Versailles, 1688
In 2024, Versailles is honored to host the equestrian events, including parts of the triathlon and pentathlon, as well as the Paralympics. Alongside these events, the Château is showcasing a major art exhibition dedicated to horses and equestrian civilization in Europe - the first of its kind presented on such a scale.
Portrait équestre de Léopold de Médicis, Justus Sustermans, National Heritage Institute, Czech Republic
The exhibition features nearly 300 exceptional works on loan from around the world, highlighting the roles and uses of horses in both civil and military society from the 16th to the 20th century. It also presents rare artistic and scientific studies of horses, including drawings by Leonardo da Vinci and Andrea del Verrocchio.
The Proportions of a Horse, Leonardo Da Vinci, circa 1480, London, Royal Collection Trust
Drawing of a horse, Andrea del Verrocchio, circa 1480-1488, New York, Metropolitan Museum of Arts
Ferdinand of Austria at the Battle of Nördlingen (1634-1635), Peter-Paul Rubens, Museo Nacional del Prado
Lady Godiva, Jeannest Emile, Londres, Royal Collection Trust
The Piebald Horse, Paulus Potter, circa 1650-1674. Los Angeles, J. Paul Getty Museum
Miss Thérèse Renz (1859-1938), horsewoman at the Molier circus: jumping rope, 1904, J. Delton, modern print from glass plate, Paris, Émile Hermès Collection
From its origins in ancient Greece to its evolution through the Renaissance and its debut in the modern Olympics in 1900, equestrian sports have always blended artistry with athleticism. Paris 2024 celebrates this rich history with a stunning display of equestrian excellence, set against the historic backdrop of Versailles, where the art of riding has always held a place of honor.
References:
paris2024.org
chateauversailles.fr
