The Vicomte de Bragelonne · Chapter
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte explained
Fouquet's magnificent château at Vaux-le-Vicomte is described in lavish detail, built in 1655 with the help of architects Levau, Lenôtre, and Lebrun.
What happens
Fouquet's magnificent château at Vaux-le-Vicomte is described in lavish detail, built in 1655 with the help of architects Levau, Lenôtre, and Lebrun. As the king's procession approaches, Fouquet walks through the palace giving final orders, while Aramis observes and makes pointed remarks about Colbert. The chapter captures the tension between Fouquet's generosity and the looming threat of royal disfavor.
Themes in this chapter
Greed and Corruption
Fouquet's extravagant spending on the château, buying up villages and transplanting trees, contrasts with the scarcity of money in France and foreshadows his ruin.
Court Intrigue and Deception
Aramis's false smile and pointed remarks about Colbert reveal the underlying political maneuvering and the precariousness of Fouquet's position.
The Nature of Kingship
Fouquet's conflicted feelings—seeing the king as both a rival and a sacred sovereign—highlight the complex relationship between a powerful subject and his monarch.
Characters to notice
- Nicolas Fouquet
The surintendant, host of the grand fête, walks through his palace with a calm yet observant glance, sighing as the king approaches.
- Aramis
The bishop of Vannes, lodging in the blue room above the king's, exchanges tense words with Fouquet about Colbert and the purpose of the fête.
- Louis XIV
The king is approaching Melun with his long train of carriages and cavaliers; his portrait by Lebrun is displayed in the palace.
- Gourville
Shows Fouquet the preparations for the fireworks.
- Molière
Leads Fouquet over the theater that has been prepared for the fête.
- Le Brun
The painter is putting the finishing touches on the king's portrait; Fouquet embraces him in gratitude.
- Percerin
The tailor walks behind Fouquet, admiring the suit he made for the king in Lebrun's painting.
- Porthos
Mentioned as lodging next to Aramis and dressing at the moment.
Key passages
“Fouquet, in scattering broadcast millions of money in the construction of this palace, had found a means of gathering, as the result of his generous profusion, three illustrious men together: Levau, the architect of the building; Lenôtre, the designer of the gardens; and Lebrun, the decorator of the apartments.”
By spending lavishly on the palace, Fouquet managed to bring together three great talents: architect Levau, garden designer Lenôtre, and interior decorator Lebrun.
Highlights Fouquet's patronage and the collaborative genius behind Vaux-le-Vicomte.
“I cannot tell you how it is, that since he is approaching my house—Well, since I know he is on his way here, as my guest, he is more sacred than ever for me; he is my acknowledged sovereign, and as such is very dear to me.”
Fouquet confesses that, despite their rivalry, the king's arrival as his guest makes him feel a newfound reverence and affection for Louis.
Reveals Fouquet's internal conflict and the theme of kingship.