Dominic D Aug 1, 2014:

@Helen No problem. I was pretty sure about it though as I have been a few times and I remembered the crescent shaped terrace as you come down from the chateau. When you look at an aerial view it becomes clear

Helen Shiner Aug 1, 2014:

@Pauline One would normally discuss the plinth or socle, but in this case, as you have demonstrated, there is a separate architectural element framing the basin, which is itself oval. It is a long time since I went to Versailles!

Pauline Chomette Aug 1, 2014:

Thanks! The text is a little bit confusing, because the "demi-lune" does not indicate the shape of the bassin, but the place surrounding the fountain where all the statues stand.

Helen Shiner Aug 1, 2014:

@Dominic Looks like Pauline has found a convincing source for you. Ignore my guess above.

Helen Shiner Aug 1, 2014:

Diana If this is the statue of Diana, then her symbol (or one of them) is a half-moon or crescent moon. The bassin itself is oval in shape, and it may well be that the statue stands on a half-moon plinth or socle. Images show it to be covered in foliage, so it is difficult to see its basic shape, but this is what I would suspect. http://latone.chateauversailles.fr/page/le-bassin-de-latone/...