A Period of Beauty and Substance, by Delvonta' Pinkston

While traveling throughout France, I frequently recognized historical landmarks from the time periods we discussed in class. One time period I could not get enough of seeing or learning about was the Renaissance. The architecture and design styles from this period were absolutely magnificent, which is why I chose to examine and analyze this specific period’s impact on the country. The three places chosen to further my analysis of this historical period are The Lescot Wing of The Louvre, the Chateau de Chenonceau, and of course the Chateau de Chambord. Without a doubt, the Renaissance period has definitely influenced France culturally in the aspects of art, architecture, and design.

Artistically, the Renaissance period did a lot for France. It not only inspired artists to challenge themselves while creating their art, but it also triggered a new respect for the artists of that time. According to autocww.colorado.edu contributor James H. Beck, “During the renaissance, artists were no longer considered as mere artisans as they were in the past, but for the first time, emerged as independent personalities, comparable to writers and poets” (http://autocww.colorado.edu/~flc/E64ContentFiles/PeriodsAndStyles/Renaissance.html).

From an architectural standpoint, the Renaissance period was simply marvelous in every sense of the word. The way many of the historical landmarks from this period were built speaks as a testament to the architects’ prowess. One can tell simply by looking at any of the buildings from this period that each one was made to stand the test of time. It is impossible not to be engaged on some level or another by this amazing the architecture.

In the aspect of design, the Renaissance period was hardly in any need. The grand color schemes, arches of numerous towers, windows patterns, and so much more all have all helped to showcase the beauty of the architecture from this period. Inside as well as out, the designing of the Renaissance period was simply amazing, especially in terms of furniture. According to TheRedList.com, “the early period of the renaissance furniture combines gothic forms with complex ideas inspired by Italian craftsman that worked in France for Francois 1er (1494-1547).”  (http://theredlist.com/wiki-2-18-392-887-view-15th-17th-centuries-profile-french-renaissance-1.html) The Chateau de Chambord in particular, among other things, is known for its spectacular design. It is no wonder that it is so well known in its country of origin.

The Chateau de Chambord is a masterpiece itself. Extreme in size as well beauty, the Chateau is clearly a work of art. According to the official website for France, “The colossal size of the Chambord, beyond all human scale, is astounding, like its alchemy of shapes and structures where nothing was left to chance. The Chateau de Chambord displays unique silhouette, with its 156 meter façade, 426 rooms, 77 staircases, 282 fireplaces, and 800 sculpted capitals,” according to (http://www.france.fr/en/sites-and-monuments/chateau-de-chambord.html)

Although it is a rather impressive feature, the size of the chateau is not the only characteristic of French landmark worth mentioning. The Chateau de Chambord is also one quite known for its amazingly beautiful architecture. Like the other castles of its time, its incredibly beautiful and timeless design leaves one with the ability to imagine and feel the history of what was occurring during the Renaissance. The size of the castle, coupled with the immensely amazing architectural design, makes this chateau one of the best from its time.

Being from the Renaissance era, the chateau is a prime example of how the period was grand indeed for castles. This can be said because of the chateau’s massive size as well as its incredibly well-done interior. These two features of the castle alone could lead one to state that the Chateau de Chambord is without a doubt the most renowned chateau from the Renaissance era.

As previously stated, the Chateau de Chambord is not only one of the most historic chateaus of the Renaissance era, but it is also one of the most renowned castles in France today. It is clearly one of a kind. However, it is not the only historic landmark in France worth visiting. It is also quite delusional to think that the chateau is the only masterpiece from the Renaissance era worth seeing. Another landmark from the Renaissance era worth paying a visit to is the Lescott Wing of the Louvre.  

The Lescott Wing is not only known throughout the city of Paris, but also throughout the world. Attracting hundreds of a visitors a day, this wing in particular is what some consider to be a masterpiece. Its design is nothing of not impeccable and the architecture is nothing short of marvelous. That being said, it is no wonder this wing of the Louvre in particular is so popular.

According to openbuildings.com, “the Lescott Wing of the Louvre is the oldest currently existing building of the Louvre mansion above ground in the city of Paris. Constructed between 1546 and 1551, it was combined with traits from the Italian culture. Due to this, this style came to be known as the Parisian renaissance style. This set the tone for all French classical architecture that came after” ( http://openbuildings.com/buildings/lescot-wing-profile-38062

Clearly, the Lescott Wing of the Louvre set an important tone for France. Without this wing of the Louvre, the mold needed for the classical architecture that followed may have come decades later. In fact, if the Lescott Wing of the Louvre had not been built, classical architecture may have never come into France’s history at all.

Bearing this in mind, it is not difficult for one to see the contributions the Lescott Wing of the Louvre has made to the Renaissance era. One must also keep in mind that these contributions have been made simply by existing. Its mere construction and existence has allowed for the interpretation and modeling of classical architecture not only to begin, but progress as well. This not only inspired artists to move forward during the Renaissance time period. It has also allowed France to become more renowned and appreciated for its art and integrity.

As previously stated, The Lescott Wing of the Louvre is a most impressive work of art whose existence has led to great things for France. Like the previous example, Chateau de Chambord, its magnificence can’t be exaggerated. However, these are not the only two examples of excellence in the country where art and architecture is concerned. The Chateau de Chenonceau is also a magnificent work of architecture whose design and layout is respected by many. This is a chateau that is exquisite and beautiful.

The Chateau de Chenonceau is a marvelous chateau. According to Francethisway.com, “The castle was built in the 1500s. Soon after its construction, the castle was taken control of by the king at the time, Francois I. This is because the previous owner could not pay back his loans. Henry II, The successor of the king, gave the chateau to Diane de Poitiers, his mistress, as a gift.  The mistress greatly improved the chateau’s gardens. However, after the king’s death ten years later, the king’s wife, Catherine de Medici, forced the mistress into trading the Chateau de Chenonceau for the Chateau de Chaumont.” http://www.castles.francethisway.com/chateau-chenonceau.php

Despite the drama and controversy that has seemed to surround the castle, it is known for more than just its troubling history. The incredibly beautiful chateau is also incredibly well known for its incredibly beautiful gardens. As previously stated, King Henry II’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers, greatly improved the garden of the chateau upon receiving it as a gift from the king. However, it is well known that the mistress didn’t have very much to work with when the castle was given to her.

According to chenonceau.com, “when the chateau was originally given to her by the king, the castle’s garden was a modest space which was not appropriate for a courtyard. Due to exactly this, extensive working done was done on the Chateau de Chenonceau over a period of five years. This led to the creation of five sumptuous beds that are currently known as the Garden of Diane de Poitiers” (http://www.chenonceau.com/index.php/en/gardens/conservation).

When Catherine de Medici took control over the chateau, she made her own castle’s garden as well. "In the area just below the forecourt and the keep of Marques, the queen created a garden of wonders among the patches of flowers and shrubs, an aviary, a menagerie, a sheep barn, and a manmade cave. Even today, the queen’s additions to the gardens require large amounts of attention as it is renewed every spring and summer (http://www.chenonceau.com/index.php/en/gardens/conservation).

Upon learning this, one cannot help but see the beauty in the Chateau de Chenonceau. Despite its history of changing ownership quite rapidly, the castle has shown to not only be quite valuable, but rather profound as well. The things its owners have accomplished with its garden are renowned throughout France. The gardens of the chateau are a great example of how the Renaissance era was not only incredibly beautiful in terms of architecture and designs, but also in terms of agriculture as well. This is not only because gardens were grand in size or design. It is also because of how the owners of the chateau created beautiful works of art from such humble beginnings.

The three examples used throughout this paper to analyze the Renaissance era have all been extremely well-done works of art. One can surely understand why an analysis of this era of time is so important. The Renaissance was not just a place in time in which buildings were constructed or where chateaus were built. It was an era when artists, architects, and designers alike were inspired to go beyond what had been done before. The Renaissance era was magical because it influenced architecture, art, and design in the middle of where standards meet excellence and where dreams meet reality.