the war room

Hardouin Mansart started constructing the War Room in 1678. The plan, wrapped up by Le Brun in 1686, pays tribute to the military triumphs which incited the peace courses of action of Nijmegen. The dividers are secured with marble boards beautified with six trophies and weapons in overlaid bronze. The divider neighboring the Apollo Room bears an oval stucco bas-help portraying Louis XIV on horseback stomping his adversaries. At the highest point of this perfect work of art by Coysevox are two figures of Pheme, and two hostages in chains cluster underneath it. Underneath, in the bas-help in the phony chimney, Clio, the dream of history, is recording the ruler's extraordinary deeds for descendants. In the focal point of the vault roof is an exemplified delineation of France, furnished and sitting on a cloud and encompassed by Victories. Her shield is adorned with a representation of Louis XIV. Her three crushed foes are delineated in the curves: Germany stooping down with a hawk; Spain making dangers with a thundering lion; Holland upset on another lion. The fourth curve delineates Bellona, the goddess of war, in a fierceness of wrath amongst Rebellion and Contention.