French Renaissance

Henery IV was the ruler of France form 1589-1610. He was married to Marie de Medici. Henery was a great appreciator of magnificent interiors. He brought Protestant artisans to France and kept then there until they fled when Edict was revoked by Louis XIV. Because of this there was much spectacular art and architecture that was brought about during this time. There were other important men at this time such as Fancis the first who was the father of the French Renaissance. Francis the first was not very successful in war but was noted for art. He worked with great artists such as do Vinchi and Cellini from Italy. He had numerous Chatuaux. Some of them were Chambered and Fontainebleau.

There were many great Chateaux built during this time some of the more notable ones are; Loire Valley Chateaux, Chambered, with the famous double staircase and magnificent chimneys done by da Vinchi, The Fontainebleau, famous for the horseshoe shaped staircase, and Finely the Chanonceau that was built over a river. These chateauxs may have a gothic feel to them because the change from Gothic to Renaissance was very slow but eventually Gothic arches became more rounded and other changes began to take place. At this time Mid evil elements were apparent as well. They have towers, turrets and moats as well as sculptured chimneys, great halls were replaced with formal rooms.

At this time you are likely to see the motif of the salamander or the letter F. These are both a representation of Francis the First. It because very popular form here on out the important rulers are recognized in the architecture and even in the small ornamentation of furniture. The furniture in this time becomes very massive and ornamented with gold trims and fringe. Legs of this time were either turned with spiral baluster or the Flemish scroll. The fire places had huge , highly carved mantels with towering hoods. There slowly became more and more furniture where in the past furniture was very scarce.