Housed in the royal apartments of the Palace of Versailles, the museum created in 1837 by King Louis-Philippe, known as the “Historical Galleries,” reflects an idealized historical approach, highlighting France’s glorious moments while glossing over the political divisions that marked the turmoil of the Revolution and the Empire. Today, it remains an essential part of any visit to Versailles, bearing witness to the transformation of the palace in the 19th century.

Among the masterpieces in these galleries dedicated “to all the glories of France,” a special room, now gone, was devoted to the sovereigns who had ruled the country from Clovis to Louis-Philippe himself. The king had a collection of royal portraits installed there, including the famous portrait of Francis I painted by Jean Clouet, whose format served as a reference for all the other paintings in the series, which were created specifically for the occasion and sometimes commissioned from the greatest artists of the Romantic period.

A veritable visual monument dedicated to the French monarchy, this collection was intended to place Louis-Philippe in a prestigious royal lineage, while affirming his role as sovereign of a unified people, both modern and respectful of traditions.

As its subject matter was deemed outdated under the Third Republic, the Hall of French Kings was repurposed and its paintings were moved to the reserves of the Palace of Versailles or placed in storage in various national museums, such as the Army Museum at Les Invalides and the Palace of Compiègne.

Reproduced in engravings, they illustrated school textbooks for many pupils, enabling them to learn about the popular history of France and thus becoming part of the collective memory.

For the first time in over a century, this unique collection of royal portraits has been brought together in a scientific and educational work that allows readers to rediscover the original works in their entirety.

Edition: le Charmoiset

Publication date: november 2025

Dimensions: 24 x 21 cm

Nomber of pages: 310

Bilingual book: French/English