Discussion 1: Versailles, Velázquez, and Rubens
Describe a particular aspect of Versailles that you think represents the palace’s purpose as a symbol of absolute monarchy.
Peter Paul Rubens was one of the favorite artists of Louis XIV, known as the Sun King. Describe a painting by Rubens that you think shares the same sort of grandeur and extravagance represented by the Palace of Versailles.
Describe a painting by Velázquez that you think reflects Rubens’ influence on the arts of the Spanish court.