While the Musée de l’Armée has just completed the restoration of the Salle Royale, one of the four emblematic refectories of the Invalides, a new renovation project is beginning in the Salle de l’Europe, designed as its counterpart.
A former refectory for the pensioners of the Invalides, it is today one of the major rooms in the “Ancient Arms and Armor” tour, dedicated to the activity of the great European armor production workshops of the 16th century.
Dôme des Invalides © Paris – Musée de l’Armée – Anne-Sylvaine Marre-Noël
As part of this renovation, the Fondation Etrillard is financing the restoration of The Allegory of Louis XIV, which overlooks the North entrance of the room. Attributed to Michel II Corneille, executed in oil on plastered stone, this large painting, both historical and mythological, depicts King Louis XIV accompanied by Bellona, Minerva, and Victory, heading towards the Meuse river, which already appears subdued.
With the last interventions dating back half a century, the frieze is today in peril, suffering from numerous liftings of the pictorial layer.
Its restoration, lasting three years, will reveal once again its full symbolic importance within the regal building. It will also allow the experts at the Musée de l’Armée to refine their knowledge of the various overpaintings of the artwork, as well as the pictorial techniques employed. A mediation system will accompany its return to the spotlight.
The Allegory of Louis XIV © Paris – Musée de l'Armée Dist. RMN-Grand Palais – Pascal Segrette