After 1600, palaces became increasingly important as venues of both statecraft and the arts. Rulers poured resources into construction and decoration so as to create theaters worthy of their majesty. The result is that palaces inspired some of the key developments in the history of art and politics. By focusing on examples in western Europe, in particular the French palace of Versailles, we will explore how art and architecture were harnessed to project messages of power. This course covers media such as painting and sculpture, yet other realms · including landscape architecture and theatrical performances · will also occupy our attention. We will evaluate how palaces bolstered the public image of monarchs who sought to expand their authority and create what approximates our idea of the modern nation-state. Further material will illustrate the evolving fortunes of palaces from their greatest moments to when they no longer stood at the forefront of the arts. No text required. IV. 3, 4