In Praise of Shadows | Château de Versailles
Every time a new king took the French throne, the Château de Versailles was remodeled, the new monarch’s power flaunted in the details that had been altered and replaced to create another layer. Gazing thoughtfully at the vestiges of this incomparable splendor, we get images of the different reigns. While we delight in the seemingly unimaginable decorativeness, the accumulation of the latest techniques of its age, we also realize the human exploitation that resulted in such opulence. Where, we wonder, did this elegance come from? Morita’s photography seeks to capture his own themes of “desire” and “primal instinct.” There is nowhere else more suited to this objective than the Château de Versailles. The stone staircase is worn down, as though holding the memory of all the people who climbed it.
All photos
© Yasumichi Morita/Château de Versailles
-
Detail from the Gate of Honour
Piezography
129.0 x 86.0cm
Edition of 5
Detail from the Gate of Honour
Piezography
129.0 x 86.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Lock on the bedchamber of Louis XV
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Lock on the bedchamber of Louis XV
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Motifs adorning the ceiling of Louis XV’s bedchamber
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Motifs adorning the ceiling of Louis XV’s bedchamber
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Key in the door of the Despatches Room
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Key in the door of the Despatches Room
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Underground pipes forming part of the pumping system
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Underground pipes forming part of the pumping system
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Organ played by the Dauphin (heir) of Louis XV
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Organ played by the Dauphin (heir) of Louis XV
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Spiral staircase known as the “Forge Staircase”
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Spiral staircase known as the “Forge Staircase”
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Bannister decoration on the grand staircase in the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Bannister decoration on the grand staircase in the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Sundial
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Sundial
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Clock in Madame Victoire’s room
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Clock in Madame Victoire’s room
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Chest of drawers decorated with lion’s claw feet
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Chest of drawers decorated with lion’s claw feet
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Rug from Madame Adélaïde’s chamber
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Rug from Madame Adélaïde’s chamber
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Bathtub
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Bathtub
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Fireplace
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Fireplace
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Motif on large barometer
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Motif on large barometer
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Parquet floor
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Parquet floor
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Bar indicating the passage of the meridian
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Bar indicating the passage of the meridian
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Spiral staircase in the Royal Chapel
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Spiral staircase in the Royal Chapel
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Motif from the Royal Opera
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5Motif from the Royal Opera
Piezography
55.5 x 37.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Roof of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
150.0 x 100.0cm
Edition of 5Roof of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
150.0 x 100.0cm
Edition of 5 -
View from the Royal Box, the Royal Opera
Piezography
102.0 x 68.0cm
Edition of 5View from the Royal Box, the Royal Opera
Piezography
102.0 x 68.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The Opera Theatre
Piezography
102.0 x 68.0cm
Edition of 5The Opera Theatre
Piezography
102.0 x 68.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Backstage at the Royal Opera
Piezography
102.0 x 68.0cm
Edition of 5
Backstage at the Royal Opera
Piezography
102.0 x 68.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The Royal Opera
Piezography
102.0 x 68.0cm
Edition of 5The Royal Opera
Piezography
102.0 x 68.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The Hall of Mirrors
Piezography
114.0 x 76.0cm
Edition of 5The Hall of Mirrors
Piezography
114.0 x 76.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The Hall of Mirrors
Piezography
114.0 x 76.0cm
Edition of 5The Hall of Mirrors
Piezography
114.0 x 76.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The Hall of Mirrors
Piezography
114.0 x 76.0cm
Edition of 5The Hall of Mirrors
Piezography
114.0 x 76.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The Hall of Mirrors
Piezography
114.0 x 76.0cm
Edition of 5The Hall of Mirrors
Piezography
114.0 x 76.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Wall decor
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5Wall decor
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5The Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Doors of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5Doors of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5The Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5The Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5The Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Motifs on the ceiling of The Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5Motifs on the ceiling of The Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Altar of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5Altar of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Altar of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5Altar of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Organ in the Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5Organ in the Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Roof of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5Roof of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Roof of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5Roof of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
93.0 x 62.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Window in the Royal Chapel
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5Window in the Royal Chapel
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Underground pipes forming part of the pumping system
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5Underground pipes forming part of the pumping system
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Columns of the Grand Trianon Palace
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5Columns of the Grand Trianon Palace
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The Stone Galleries
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5The Stone Galleries
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Cobblestones
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5Cobblestones
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Engineering under the Fountains
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5Engineering under the Fountains
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Bathtub relocated to the Orangerie
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5Bathtub relocated to the Orangerie
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Superstructure of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5Superstructure of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The Dauphin's Room
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5The Dauphin's Room
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5 -
South Wing
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5South Wing
Piezography
75.0 x 50.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Louis XVI Dining Room
Piezography
129.0 x 86.0cm
Edition of 5Louis XVI Dining Room
Piezography
129.0 x 86.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Spiral Staircase
Piezography
129.0 x 86.0cm
Edition of 5Spiral Staircase
Piezography
129.0 x 86.0cm
Edition of 5 -
The “King’s Staircase”
Piezography
129.0 x 86.0cm
Edition of 5The “King’s Staircase”
Piezography
129.0 x 86.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Statue of Latona
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Statue of Latona
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Statue of “Religion”
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Statue of “Religion”
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Statue of Ceres
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Statue of Ceres
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Stone statues
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Stone statues
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
The Queen’s Theater
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5The Queen’s Theater
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Bedchamber, the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Bedchamber, the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Library, the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Library, the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
The Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5The Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Underfloor structure with movable mirrors, the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Underfloor structure with movable mirrors, the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Sketch on the wall of the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Sketch on the wall of the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
The Royal Chapel
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5The Royal Chapel
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Emblem on the reception room of the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Emblem on the reception room of the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Roof of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Roof of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
The Royal Chapel
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5The Royal Chapel
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
The Royal Chapel
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5The Royal Chapel
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Staircase balustrade, the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Staircase balustrade, the Petit Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
The ceiling of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
42.0 x 59.4cmThe ceiling of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
42.0 x 59.4cm -
Engravings on the Royal Chapel
Piezography
42.0 x 59.4cmEngravings on the Royal Chapel
Piezography
42.0 x 59.4cm -
The Royal Opera
Piezography
42.0 x 59.4cmThe Royal Opera
Piezography
42.0 x 59.4cm -
Engravings on the Royal Chapel
Piezography
42.0 x 59.4cmEngravings on the Royal Chapel
Piezography
42.0 x 59.4cm -
The Royal Opera
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5The Royal Opera
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
The Royal Opera
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5The Royal Opera
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Entrance to the underground pumping system
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Entrance to the underground pumping system
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Underground pipes forming part of the pumping system
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Underground pipes forming part of the pumping system
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Marble courtyard
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Marble courtyard
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
The Royal Chapel
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5The Royal Chapel
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Motif on large barometer
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Motif on large barometer
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Louis XV’s Cylinder Desk
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Louis XV’s Cylinder Desk
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Bidet chair
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Bidet chair
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Chair Chamber
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Chair Chamber
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Paintings in the Dauphin’s bedroom
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Paintings in the Dauphin’s bedroom
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Bathtub
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Bathtub
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Bar indicating the passage of the meridian
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Bar indicating the passage of the meridian
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Parquet floor
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Parquet floor
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
The Grand Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5The Grand Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
Cooling Units installed in the Grand Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5Cooling Units installed in the Grand Trianon Palace
Piezography
25.2 x 17.2cm
Edition of 5 -
The Grand Cabinet of Madame du Barry
Piezography
86.0 x 129.0cm
Edition of 5The Grand Cabinet of Madame du Barry
Piezography
86.0 x 129.0cm
Edition of 5 -
Exterior view of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
86.0 x 129.0cm
Edition of 5Exterior view of the Royal Chapel
Piezography
86.0 x 129.0cm
Edition of 5
