11/18/2024 Œil-de-bœuf

Œil-de-bœuf, literally translating to "ox's eye" in English, refers to a small, round or oval window typically set into a roof or a wall, often seen in French architecture. Historically, the term gained particular prominence from the "Salon de l'Œil-de-Bœuf" at the Palace of Versailles, a lavishly decorated antechamber leading to the King's apartments. This room, with its distinctive oval window, became a symbol of the opulence and ceremonial grandeur of the French monarchy. The term has since come to symbolize not just an architectural feature but also the intricate and grandiose style associated with the French royal court.