Gregg Versailles gardens grotto

The Grotto of Thetis

A principal addition made in the first campaign was the Grotto of Thetis. Although it no longer is in existence-it was demolished in 1684 to make room for the North wing, it still has significance because it housed the famous Apollo Surrounded by Six Nymphs Sculptures. Apollo, of course is chosen my Louis XIV because he views himself as the Sun King. His allusions to this were not limited to the interior of his palace, as can be seen by these sculptures. The set of 3 corresponding sculptures were completed long before the Apollo fountain, which I find interesting because one would assume that Apollo would lead the sun across the sky before being attended to, but regardless the sculptures themselves are magnificent.

There are three principal pieces: the central group which features Apollo and the nymphs, one set of horses being tended to by some of Apollo's attendants and another group of just horses drinking water. Each sculpture has a different collaboration to take credit for the splendor. There are six figures present on the main piece. This was actually a collaborative effort by Girardon and Regnaudin. Girardon-Louis XIV favorite sculpter, did the Apollo and two of the nymphs, or Nereids as some texts refer to them, and the remaining three are by Regnaudin. These pieces are executed in a very classical form. Apollo is seated, being tended to after a long hard day's work helping the sun across the sky. The Nereids are a specific type of nymph; the nymphs of the sea and are known for their helpful attributes. The fact that they are “nymphs of the sea” conveys the fact that this scene is indeed underwater, which is where Apollo retires at the end of the day. The drapery on all the figures is in very deep relief and the figures are completed on all sides, thus we are invited to view it from different angles. The detail paid even to the braids of the hair, especially on the nymph to Apollo's back right. The nymph over his left shoulder is holding a vase which depicts the “crossing of the Rhine ” further leading us to believe that Apollo is Louis XIV. The inspiration for this piece is speculated to be the Apollo Belvedere, which is a highly respected figure of Apollo from antiquity. The upward ascending figures and the two separate groups of figures are also broadening our viewership.

One group depicts two horses in the process of being released from the yoke of the chariot. Composed by the Marsy brothers, this sculpture captures a completely different mood than the serene and tranquil Apollo surrounded by the nymphs. There is a great sense of motion of the figures-the horses, especially the closest one, appears ready to run off bucking through the park. The muscles look poised and ready for action and the attendants do look like they are in fear of being trampled by the horses. The relief on the figures is exquisite, this can be seen very nicely in the tails on the horses and the details of the yoke discarded on the ground. As for the final figure group-the two horses drinking water, it is very realistic in the depiction of the animals. When drinking, one horse always keeps watch while the other quenches its thirst. This sculpture also contributes to the contrast between the Apollo and the other set of horses. Not unlike the others, the relief of the sculpture is gorgeous, this time done by Guerin. Life pours forth from the figures; the attendants seem to be actually in motion.