Week 10: French Renaissance Baroque

 

The French Renaissance was a period inspired by the Italian Renaissance that brought new art forms, architectural styles, and ideas. The architecture combined Gothic styles with Italian classic forms as you can see with buildings like the Chateau de Chambord and the Louvre. The unique combination of art styles led to a cultural foundation that would influence the Baroque period.

Chateau de Chambord

The Chateau de Chambord is a beautiful and iconic castle of the French Renaissance. It is big, containing over 440 rooms, around 80 staircases, 11 towers, and 282 fireplaces. It also features a popular architectural element: the double spiral staircase in the center, which allows two people to go up or down the stairs without meeting. This castle was meant for a place to live in but was rarely used. It was later used as a hospital during WWI, but today, it's used as a tourist attraction.

Current Application: Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is a Museum that adapts the chateau design with American adaptations. Like the Chambors, it has a symmetrical layout with multiple decorative towers and sculpture details from the French Renaissance style.

Chateau de Fountainebleau

Considered one of France's most historic and expansive royal palaces, the Chateau de Fontainebleau combines multiple architectural styles, from Renaissance and Medieval to classical and Napoleonic. The interior includes some of France's most beautiful decorations including frescoes, tapestries, and sculptures. During the 12th century, this palace was used as a residence for French Monarchs until the 19th century but it's now open to the public allowing visitors to admire what the palace has to offer including the royal rooms, architecture, art, and gardens.

Current Application: Hearst Castle

The Hearst Castle is located in San Simeon, California, and combines Renaissance, Gothic, and Classical elements like the Fontainebleau. Its luxurious rooms contain collections of European art, tapestries, and antique furniture.

Armoire a Deux Corps

An armoire a deux corps is a classic type of French furniture that when translated literally means "wardrobe with two bodies". This piece is divided into two sections: a lower cabinet with doors and drawers and an upper cabinet. This vintage item can bring a nice historical elegance to the interior of your home.

Current Application: Kitchen Hutch

A kitchen hutch has a similar function to the armoire a deux corps, with two cabinets, one upper cabinet and one lower cabinet. Some feature a base in the middle to display items.

One Step Further: Francis I

Francois I was a Renaissance king who transformed France. He was a patron of arts and would invite artists like Leonardo Da Vinci to his court. Francois promoted and supported the development of iconic chateaux like the Chambord helping shape the French Renaissance.