The palace was finished in about 1682. These are the front gates with the public entrance just to the left. The gates were made of gilded bronze which looks very opulent.
I found the process of applying the gold interesting:
Ormolu (from French or moulu, signifying gold ground or pounded) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-karat gold in a mercuryamalgam to an object of bronze. The mercury is driven off in a kiln. The French refer to this technique as bronze doré, in English gilt bronze.
The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.
Due to exposure to the harmful mercury fumes, most gilders did not survive beyond 40 years of age, .
Lots of shots of the gardens especially at the back with the Petit and Grand Trianon. I think it was almost a magical place and think the hobbits might still live there:) Yes it is maze-like and beautiful. Added NIK tonal contrast in this shot seemed to make it more dramatic.
Versailles Entrance
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