Versailles Exhibition Explores Science and Monarchy

The exhibition 'Versailles: Science and Splendour' at the Science Museum showcases the intersection of art and science during the reigns of French monarchs Louis XIV, XV, and XVI. It features over 120 artifacts, including Louis XV's stuffed rhinoceros and Breguet's legendary 'Marie Antoinette' watch, highlighting how the monarchy used scientific advancements to enhance France's prestige. The display emphasizes the role of royal patronage in scientific pursuits, with notable figures such as pioneering midwife Madame du Coudray and physicist Emilie du Châtelet featured. The exhibition also illustrates the opulence of Versailles as a hub for scientific endeavor, with elaborate instruments and medical tools on display. Curator Matthew Howles points out that the palace was not only a center of politics and entertainment but also a site for groundbreaking scientific inquiry. The exhibition runs at the Science Museum, providing a unique perspective on the cultural significance of science in monarchy.