Lavish Decoration
The French observed the Italian Renaissance and appropriated nearly everything to fit their national style which was evolving from the Gothic. But even more embellishment was added. Exterior carving and facade treatments were more ornate than Italian models. Steep slate roofs (as in Chambord, left) were populated with ornate chimneys and dormers. The strict rectilinear geometry was expanded with curving wings, towers and turrets. Limestone replaced stucco as veneer and carved to dizzying degrees. The interiors were as sumptuous as the Vatican. The French kings demanded the best workmanship from stuccadores, painters, woodworkers, metal forgers, and sculptors. The zenith of decorative arts is found in French chateaux. This style and the high Renaissance in Italy were duplicated by the Gilded Age patrons in the United States.
French Interiors
John Henry Architect
MasterWorks Design International, Inc.
7491 Conroy Rd. Ste. J Orlando Fl. 32835
TEL: 407 421-6647
EMAIL: [email protected]
MasterWorks Design International, Inc.
7491 Conroy Rd. Ste. J Orlando Fl. 32835
TEL: 407 421-6647
EMAIL: [email protected]