Original antique engraving published by John Bowles in 1726. It was one of a series of engravings of the Palace of Versailles intended for English audiences.The folio contained 30 engravings of Versailles, of which this is one. The title of the folio was entitled "Versailles illustrated, or, Divers views of the several parts of the royal palace of Versailles : as likewise of all the fountains, groves, parterras, ye labyrinth & other ye most beautiful parts of the gardens".
The plates depict the grand architecture, sprawling gardens, and intricate water features of the Palace of Versailles during the height of its royal splendour. The book provides an English audience with a visual tour of the French king's estate. The Aesop Fables: The final 7 engravings in the collection specifically highlight the fountains hidden within the Versailles Labyrinth, each representing one of Aesop's Fables. John Bowles was a prominent 18th century English print and map seller based in London. Bowles engraved, printed, and sold these plates out of his shop at Mercers' Hall in Cheapside. The drawings themselves were originally executed "by the order and with the approbation of the French king.
