Chantilly in History and Art

. Fran?ois Mansart, the most fashionable architect of the period, had by that time nearly completed those unfortunate alterations which transformed the ancient feudal fortress into a s

executed by the most famous sculptors of the day, were placed along the Terrasse du Connétable; whilst marble copies of celebrated antiques were set up in the gardens and park. He spoke of Chantilly as "ses delic

nts given upon this occasion may be read in the Mercure de France of that year, as follows: "A great battue had been arranged, and the Dauphin appears to have been delighted by the enjoyment of such splendid sport. Luncheon was served on a big stone table in the middle of the forest.[12] O

and difficult; and during his last years he rarely appeared at Court. He died in 1709, leaving a lega

predecessors, also spent great sums on the embellishment of Chantilly. By him were built the great stables-a monument unique of its kind-in which vast buildings more than two hundred horses and packs of hounds for fox, deer, and boar hunts, were housed. In the adjoining courtyards were lodged th

émoires relates an incident which happened during these festivities. On the farther side of the grand canal the Duke kept a very beautiful menagerie, full of rare animals and fine birds; and whilst the company were strolling about and playing

nded from the Chapel to the so-called North Tower, and was composed of guard-rooms, long galleries, and vast chambers. That of the Queen was over the present Entrance-Hall,

-so much so that "every detail of the building could be seen as if in broad daylight." The festivities on this occasion were many and various. The chase dur

older than the young King. This act led to an immediate rupture with Spain and brought no political advantage to France. But in order to understand to the full the game played here by Madame de Prie, we should note that Maria Leczinska had been at first intended for Monsieur le Duc; wherefore by making her Queen of France she not only hoped to keep her lover to herself, but also to get ascendancy over the King through a queen whom she had helped to raise to so exalted a position. Somewhat unexpectedly, however, she found an implacable enemy in Cardinal Fleury, who was to Louis XV what Richelieu and Mazarin had been to his predecessors. He had been the young King's preceptor and exercised a great influence over him. When it occurred to Fleury that he might become Prime Minister in place of the Duc de Bourbon the latter, notwithstanding the strenuous efforts of Madame de Prie, was compelled to yield and to resign on the charge that he had confided affairs of State to unqualified persons. He retired to Chantilly with his mistress, where, the lady received a most discourteous welcome from Madame la Duchesse Douarière; and to the grief and dismay of the Duke a lettre de cachet from the King presently commanded her to retire to a property in Normandy which belonged to her long-neglected husband. The Duc de Bourbon never ceased to regret her, because, as he asserted, he felt that she was so dev

age, was left to the charge of his grandmother. She presented him soon after to Louis XV as Prince de Condé, and it was then remarked that he was very fair and ta

teen, and all sorts of amusements suitable for his age were prepared for his pleasure. He

e fell on Charlotte de Rohan Soubise, a young lady renowned for her grace and beauty; and their marriage was celebrated at Versailles with great pomp. The young couple passed their honeymoon at Chantilly and, according t

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as a daughter, Louise de Condé, subsequently famed for her great intelligence and beauty. The Princess Charlotte de Soubise was a general favourite a

he trophies of his glorious ancestor, the Grand Condé. He therefore joined the army and greatly distingui

ed after his campaigns, so as to be in the old home and with his children. A highly cultured gentleman, he took intense interest in literature and scien

riend of his sister Louise. Even in those days of early marriages this union was considered abnormal, and it was at first arranged that the young couple should

on, were much admired. Louis Joseph, like the Grand Condé, was passionately devoted to the art of the stage, and his daughter-in-law, like so many great l

ed through the Salon d'Apollon. Palm-trees formed an avenue before its entrance, and the back of the theatre opened upon the garden, where a statue of Diana surrounded by waterfalls

ither with his visits to Versailles. The King of Denmark, the hereditary Prince of Prussia, and Gustavus III, King of Sweden, were all entertained at t

waiting for us. The Prince and the Duke, his son, themselves drove us along the avenues, where a thousand surprises were prepared for us. The trees were hung with flags and decorated with the Russian colours. After the drive we went to the theatre. They played The Friend of the House, The Supposed Poet, and The Fifteen-year-old Lover. The latter piece told the love-story of the Duc and Duchesse de Bourbon and had been played on the eve of their wedding. It ended with a fine ballet. On coming out we found the gardens illuminated and fireworks blazing all round, whil

Russian Emperor. It still hangs in one of the Imperial Palaces in St. Petersburg; but a cop

on was expressed for the gorgeous hangings which divided this part of the building from the rest. When the Royal party left

he great fountain, which was completed in 178

ess under the name of Madame de Vermandois-a lady of whom it was rumoured that she had refused to marry Louis XV and had preferred the life of a convent to that of Queen of France! Over the young Princesse de Condé she exercised great influence and Princesse Louise tells us that she looked upon her as a mother, since she had never know

e the visits of relations and certain selected friends. The Duc de Bourbon, whose attachment to his sister was the one redeeming poi

sted on his grandson marrying Marie Thérèse of Savoy. This bitter disappointment, coming to her in yet tender years, made a deep impression upon the Princess, and from thenceforth she preferred solitude to worldly pleasure. She continued to reside in the Convent, refusing all other proposals of marriage, and devoting herself to literature. Later on in life she indulged in a platonic friendship with the Marquis de Gervaisais, who is said to have collaborated with her in the

incely personages rarely denied themselves anything that attracted their fancy, it is remarkable to find a Princess who held such a high moral standard, and this also at a time when Madame du Barry was the supreme ruler of the Kingdom of F

g his regiment at Saumur in order to come to Paris and thus be able to meet the Princess more freely. It was the lady herself who could not be induced to do aught that might bring a stain upon her n

family, cast an inevitable gloom over Chantilly. The young heir, the Duc d'Enghien, however, became warmly attached to his aunt, who acted as a mother to him. He was highly gifted and very proud of his famous ancestor, the Grand Condé. On taking his seat in the Parlement at the early age

applauded when he appeared on the balcony bearing a "cocarde tricolore." On hearing this, the three Princes de Condé accompanied by Princess Louise departed next day for Versailles. Their advice to Louis XVI was "not to yield"-advice which the King was loth to follow. The three Condés, seeing

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e to see the old Prince de Condé, accompanied by his daughter, his son the Duc de Bourbon, and his grandson the Duc d'Enghien, leaving the sumptuous abode of their ancestors, so full of glorious memories. The Comte

ir great privations. The Austrian General Würsmer, we are told, was deeply moved at the sight of Condé's regiment, which he styled "la vielle France militaire"; and Napoleon,