The French periods consist of 10 different subdivisions. These include:
- Early Renaissance from 1484-1547
- Charles VIII, Louis XII, Francios I
- Transitional- Gothic to Renaissance
- Middle Renaissance from 1547-1589
- Henry II, Francois II, Charles IX, Henry III
- Gradual elimination of Gothic forms
- Catherine de Medici dominates
- Late Renaissance from 1589-1643
- Henry IV, Louis XIII
- Italian Renaissance influence
- Edict of Nantes, 1589 - A landmark in the history of toleration and freedom. It provided that the Protestants might have liberty of conscience anywhere in France.
- Baroque Style from 1643-1700
- Louis XIV
- Golden Ages
- Edict fo Nantes revoked in 1685
- Regency Style from 1700-1730
- Beginning of economy
- Transitional
- Rococo Style from 1730-1760
- Louis XV
- Eliminates classical order
- Smaller curves
- Oriental influence
- Neoclassical Style from 1760-1789
- Louis XVI
- Revival of classical architectural orders
- Straight lines
- Adam influence
- Revolution and Directoire from 1789-1804
- Transistion
- Military motifs
- Smaller curves
- Oriental influence
- Empire from 1804-1820
- Napoleon
- Egyptian motifs
- Grecian and Roman decorations
- Restoration Styles from 1830-1879
- Louis XVIII, Charles X, Louis-Philippe
- Napoleon III
- Revivals of late 18th century
- Decline of good taste
Designing a luxurious room that was consistent and harmonious was a complex job. Supervising and implementing the task required a new type of professional. The ornamaniste or decorator was born. This position required a person that could not only conceive an interior design, but through the process of "engraving" explain the design to a client. The decorator supervise the artisans to produce the highest quality design.
Francois I was a famous patron of the arts. He had a transitional style consisting of gothic forms with Italian renaissance ornament. Some famous works include the Loire Valley, Chateau de Chambered, Chateau de Fontainebleau, Chateau de Blois, and the renovation of the Lourve to Renaissance style.
Because there was no need for new religious structures, palaces and chateaux were built. For example, the Loire Valley is a park-like setting. Exteriors became important, and sprawling plans of chateaux were popular.
The weather required steep roofs, many chimneys, and many large windows. Roofs often had 2 slopes with dormer windows. During this time, the Mansard roof was designed by Francois Mansart, a French Baroque architect. However, it was typical that the interior did not reflect the exterior style.
Francois I began construction of the Chateau Chambord. This is a royal hunting lodge in the Loire Valley. It has 444 rooms, 84 staircases, 365 chimneys; the estate is 14,300 acres of forest, lakes and grassland enclosed by a 22 mile-long wall. It is the considered the largest and most majestic of the Chateaus. It was the meeting place of Francois I and Leonardo da Vinci. It is home to the famous double stair case attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. I was built by Francois I at the same time as his wing at Chateau de Blois. It is a medieval structure decorated in Renaissance style with our towers. It is partly designed by Leonardo da Vinci with magnificent chimneys, dormer windows, a double staircase that start at opposite sides and never meet. It also uses the fleur-de-lis as a design motif.
The Chateau de Fontainebleau has large structures, formal gardens, lakes, fountains, and elaborate interiors. This is a small hunting lodge transformed into one of the greatest palaces in Europe. It is 55 kilometers from Paris. Galerie Francois I set a fashion in decoration that was mated throughout Europe. It is designed by Italian artists, architects, and designers. It is full of paintings, sculptures, and high relief stucco ornament. There are carved wall panelings and coffered ceiling in geometric patterns. The Chateau de Fontainebleau was extensively remodeled by Francois I and pilasters decorate flat walls. The Francois I characteristics include:
- Medieval in form - square rugged designs
- lots of carved surfaces - continuation of late Gothic - massive in form
- decorative use of elongated nude and partially nude figures
- salamander - King's personal symbol
- "F" in monogram form
Henry II was the son of Francois I. He was married to Catherine de Medici. Catherine was inspired by Francois I. Henry II continued work on the Lourve. He established workshops and apartments for artisans in the Lourve that worked under royal patronage. These included painters, sculptors, goldsmiths, and cabinetmakers.
Chateau de Blois was inspired by Italian prototypes, had depressed arches, low-relief ornamentation, and asymmetrical organization of openings. The Henry IV bedroom had the initial "H" in the flooring. The exterior holds classical pilasters and entablatures. The Chateau's most renowned feature is the spiral in the Francois I wing. Kings Henry III and Henry IV lived here.
Past Examples:
Current Examples:
Extra Credit:
This is a tour of the Chateau de Fontainebleau:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7c3UtqBh-s
This a tour of the Chateau de Blois
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_YNlEKU8Rg
Peer Review:
Angie: I really like your images you provided, they add a lot to your blog post. I also think you did a good job of touching on the most important factors of the first French Period.
Claire: I like that you touched on the fact that this period was inspired by the royals "taste" because I feel that is one of the most important factors of this period.
Claire: I like that you touched on the fact that this period was inspired by the royals "taste" because I feel that is one of the most important factors of this period.
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