The Grand Illuminated Fountain (1864)

Eugène Lami: The Grand Illuminated Fountain in the Pool of Neptune in Honor of the King of Spain

 During the Second Empire, France wanted to develop its commercial presence in Europe, particularly by exploiting the railroad to build a large network of exchanges on the European continent. Housed in Spain since 1856, Crédit Mobilier of Pereire brothers quickly took control of the economic fabric of the country through its subsidiaries: coal mines, coke ovens, gas companies and especially railways. Besides being an important source of income for entrepreneurs, building the Spanish network provides the means for France to detach Portugal from the economic sphere of England. In August 1864 the first Franco-Spanish rail link is opened between Hendaye and Irun over the Bidasoa River in the western Pyrenees. On this occasion Napoleon III received the King of Spain in his honor and gives a sumptuous feast in the castle park of Versailles. A contemporary description goes as follows (translation via Google):

On August 21, 1864, the Emperor gave a party at the King of Spain Don Francis of Assisi. After many waters there was show at the Opera which was presented Molière and Corneille Psyche, a step Gisèle and entertainment of Seasons of the Sicilian Vespers. After the show we went to the park where the decoration was very original. A double line of lights drew configuration ponds, lawns and hedges. The trees were laden with transparent orange globes that turned the park into a vast garden of the Hesperides. The waters of the main parts of all shades tinted played by electric light. Resin lights burning in carved vases and Bengal lights turn round dyed groves purple or light green. The height of the facade of the castle was lit up in full. After the fireworks which was pulled behind the Apollo basin, dinner was served in the Hall of Mirrors. [L'Histoire par Image]