What role did Jules Hardouin-Mansart play in the construction of the Palace of Versailles?

Jules Hardouin-Mansart played a pivotal role in the development of the Palace of Versailles, serving as the official architect to King Louis XIV starting in 1675. Following the death of architect Louis Le Vau, Hardouin-Mansart took over the project in 1678 and was responsible for more than trebling the size of the palace during his tenure, which lasted until his death in 1708.12

Working from Le Vau’s initial plans, Hardouin-Mansart directed a large team of collaborators to expand and redesign the complex. His major contributions to the palace include:1

• The construction of the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces).13
• The design of the Grand Trianon and the Orangerie.1
• The addition of the north and south wings.1
• The creation of the long, familiar garden facade.3

At the time of his death, he was also overseeing the construction of the palace chapel. His work transformed Versailles into a harmonious expression of French Baroque classicism, establishing it as a model for royal courts across Europe.12