How to Study ArchitectureCaffin, Charles H. (Charles Henry)
History
How to Study Architecture
Caffin, Charles H. (Charles Henry)
Architecture -- History
The latter, constructed in a stone cage, consists of a double spiral
stairway, respectively for ascent and descent. It communicates with
small rooms in the angles of the square and in the turrets, and finally
with the lantern, which commands a superb view of the surrounding
country. This lantern, octagonal in plan, the crowning feature of the
exterior design, rises above the surrounding roofs, dormer-windows, and
chimneys in two tiers of arcades, noticeably Italian in their system of
pilasters and entablatures. They are surmounted by a domed roof, which
supports an elaborate cupola. While the sky line thus presents a richly
picturesque confusion, the façades are comparatively severe and in the
ordered repetition of their details reflect the Italian influence. This
is especially perceptible in the orders of Corinthian pilasters, in the
general emphasis of the horizontal features, and in the use of round
arches in the arcades. Meanwhile, the uniformity of the façades are
relieved by the projecting angle-turrets, and by the admirably disposed
masses of solid masonry, which besides their decorative value serve the
practical use of backings to the interior fireplaces.
Other famous châteaux of =Touraine= are those of =Bury=, =Chenonceaux=,
=Azay-le-Rideau=, and =Amboise=. Then came the day when Francis moved his
court to Paris, thus shifting the scene of architectural activity. A
rural palace sprang into form at Fontainebleau, a royal château at St.
Germain-en-Laye, and a start was made with the city palace of the
Louvre.
=Palace of Fontainebleau.=--The =Palace of Fontainebleau= was begun in 1528
by the architect Gilles le Breton. It followed the plan of a convent
which it replaced, so that a remarkable irregularity distinguishes its
arrangement. The design of the façades was probably influenced by
Vignola and Serlio, who were among the artists invited from Italy by
Francis I. They included also the painters Niccolo dell’ Abbati, Il
Rosso, and Primaticcio, and the sculptor, Benvenuto Cellini, who were
employed upon the decoration of the interior. Indeed, it is for the
magnificence of the interior decoration, especially in the Galerie de
François I, and in the Salle des Fêtes, added by Henri II, and the
Galerie de Diane and Galerie des Cerfs of Henri IV, rather than for
architectural distinction, that Fontainebleau is celebrated.
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