Petite Ecurie (Small Stable), Versailles

Small Stable, situated on the Arms Square (Place d'Armes) opposite the Palace of Versailles, is a significant historical monument that contributes to the grandeur of the Versailles estate. Constructed under the direction of architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart and completed in 1681, the Small Stable, along with the Grand Stable, formed the Royal Stables. This institution was a vital component of the royal court, employing around 1,000 people under Louis XIV to manage and care for the royal stables.

Today, the Small Stable serves a different purpose, housing the National School of Architecture of Versailles and the workshops of the Centre for Research and Restoration of Museums of France. Since 2012, it has also been home to a gypsothèque, a specialized collection of around 5,000 sculptures and casts based on ancient art. This collection, primarily Roman in origin, reflects the historical practice of creating plaster casts from ancient sculptures. These molds were used by artists and sculptors for study and inspiration, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries when such practices were popular among the French Academy in Rome and other institutions.

The Small Stable gypsothèque includes plaster casts from notable collections, including those of the Louvre, the Fine Arts School, and the Institute of Art and Archaeology of the Sorbonne. These casts, which were exhibited in the Louvre in the 1930s, have been preserved with their original graffiti, a testament to their historical value. Despite being ransacked in May 1968, the casts have retained their significance as historical artifacts.

Established in the 1970s, the gypsothèque de la Petite Écurie offers a unique glimpse into the artistic and historical practices of earlier centuries. Although previously closed to the public, it now provides an invaluable resource for scholars and visitors interested in the study of classical art and its influence on French artistic traditions.