Week Ten - The French Renaissance /Neoclassical

 The French Periods

   The French Periods contained multiple subdivisions where different design aspects were seen. The first three subdivisions were the early, middle, and late renaissance. This lasted from around 1484 to 1643. This period mainly focused on the transition from Gothic architecture and design to renaissance design. This transition was largely influenced by the Italian Renaissance. The next four subdivisions were different styles seen. The Baroque Style, Regency Style, Rococo Style, and Neoclassical Style. The Baroque Style was during the Golden Age, and the Regency Style was during the the beginning of economy. The Rococo Style had oriental influence and largely eliminated classical order. The Neoclassical Style had brought back classical architectural forms like straight lines. These styles lasted from 1643 to around 1789. The final three subdivisions Revolution and Directoire, Empire, and Restoration styles. These lasted from 1789 to around 1879. They once again had oriental influence and used small curves and military motifs. During the Empire subdivision they had Egyptian motifs and Greek and Roman decorations. 

Chateau de Chambord 

Architecture

   The architecture during the French Renaissance was largely influenced by Francois I. Francois I was a Patron of the Arts and promoted the renaissance by getting Italian artists to work for him. Some of the most famous architecture built at this time included Loire Valley, Chateau de Blois, Chateau de Chambord, Chateau de Fontainebleau. The architecture at this time included large structures, with formal gardens, lakes, and fountains. The exteriors of the buildings became very important, but the interiors were also very elaborate. They had no need for new religious buildings, so mainly palaces and chateaux were built. Most buildings built as this time had steeped roofs because of the weather. The Mansard Roof was also developed at this time by French Baroque architect Francois Mansart.

Loire Valley

Chateau de Fontainebleau

Interior Design

   The interior design during this period was very elaborate and decorated. There were many carved surfaces especially featuring the King’s symbol of the Salamander. Many of the designs were borrowed from the architectural designs. Fresco paintings, wood paneling, and coffered ceilings were also seen at this time. The furniture at this time was usually made from walnut wood. Chairs were usually upholstered with silk, velvet, or tapestries. They were often close together and used for chatting and gossiping. Tables had Italian influence with Doric-like columns and inlays. Beds usually had a canopy style with fabric draped on each corner which could close giving privacy. Beds later in the period also contained elaborately carved posts. Chests also became very decorated during this period with carvings, inlays, and painted designs. The dresser was also a very important piece of furniture at this time and later led to the Armoire. The Armoire was the first version of the closets we have today. It is called an Armoire because it was first used to store armor. 

           French Renaissance Dresser                           French Renaissance Chest

Current Applications:

            French Renaissance Spiral Staircase          Modern Spiral Staircase

      French Renaissance Mansard Roof                            Modern Mansard Roof

       French Renaissance Canopy Bed                           Modern Canopy Bed

One Step Further:

    Jean Bullant was a French architect and sculptor. He was born in 1515. He is most well known for building the tombs of famous figures at that time such as Anne de Montmorency, Henri II, and Catherin de’ Medici. He also worked on the Tuileries Palace and the Louvre. He first worked for Anne de Montmorency after she inherited Chateau d’Ecouen. She wanted to reconstruct it after the design of the Chateau de Chambord, so she hired Jean Bullant. Later, Jean Bullant helped design the Tuileries and became a royal architect. He had multiple other designs before his death in 1578. Jean Bullant was also a Huguenot his whole life, which is a French Protestant. 

Extra Links:

- Chateau de Chambord

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn3yslaBlKI

- French Bishop’s Throne

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNIVmOT_JBg