Friday, November 14, 2025
6:30–7:30 pm
Free; tickets required
Leslie Cheek Theater

Join us for VMFA's Annual Paul Mellon Lecture. Hélène Delalex, Senior Curator at the Palace of Versailles, will present a fascinating journey through the art of the horse in court culture of the Ancien régime.

The equestrian traditions that developed within princely courts of early modern Europe demonstrated a remarkable symbiosis among art, power, and equine passion. They shaped court etiquette, structured aristocratic social life, and defined the language of prestige and power.

Equestrian art reached unparalleled heights in royal riding schools, particularly at Versailles. There, scholars codified the principles of horsemanship, turning it into an art form. The elegance of movement and the reach of perfect harmony between rider and mount reflected the aristocratic ideal of mastery and distinction.

Established in memory of Paul Mellon—the museum’s longest serving trustee and one of its most generous benefactors—the Paul Mellon Lecture is presented annually by a distinguished scholar to foster the study and appreciation of the arts and is supported by the Paul Mellon Endowment.

If you cannot attend in person, enjoy our livestream from the comfort of home.