Lines of sight: Israël Silvestre and the axial symbolism of Louis XIV’s gardens at Versailles.

The article considers the royal gardens during the reign of King Louis XIV of France, by focusing on the commissioned prints by Israël Silvestre depicting the first fêtes of Louis' reign, the Grand Carousel of 1662 held on the grounds of the Louvre in Paris, France, and the pleasures of the enchanted isle 1664 held at on the grounds of Versailles. Topics include pageantry and state, iconography and symbolism, and books of the festivals produced by the Petite Académie established for that purpose.