Abstract
Behind the splendor and glitter of eighteenth-century Versailles existed a contentious and dangerous hotbed of royal family politics. Throughout the second half of his reign, Louis XV experienced opposition and intrigue from his children, particularly from his son, Louis the dauphin, and his eldest surviving daughter, Adélaïde. Fortunately for the king, this intrigue of family politics took place within the environs of Versailles, an environment that was his to control. Louis XV was able to use this palatial space to oversee and counter his children's politics and intrigues. I suggest that in the final analysis, Louis XV communicated his satis faction and displeasure within the transformations he made at Versailles.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.