Lounge of the Ambassadors
In accordance with the custom introduced by President MacMahon
and since officially enshrined in the Constitution, the President receives the credentials or letters of credence presented by foreign Ambassadors to France in this room.
The salon also serves as the setting for certain official
receptions. It has preserved the military-inspired décor commissioned from Jules-Michel Hardouin by the Comte d'Evreux, Colonel-General of the Cavalry.
A chased bronze and gilt clock on the mantelpiece depicts the
fall of Phaeton (the hero, thrown from his chariot, falls from heaven dragging his four horses after him, amid clouds and flashes of lightning). The clock's mechanism was designed by
Romain. An unusual feature is its 24-hour dial, together with the months, phases of the moon and the position of the signs of the Zodiac. The dial painted by Dubuisson depicts a starry
sky.
Virtual visit
Visit the room (240 Ko -
requires QuickTime VR plug-in)
or the java version
without a plug-in.
|
