Renaissance Architecture in Europe: Origin and Character

French Renaissance Architecture

• The style of Francis I flourished during the first period of French Renaissance architecture.

Transitional Phase

• King Francis II played a role in the protracted transitional phase of Renaissance architecture in France.

Characterization of Francis I Style

• The style of Francis I in French Renaissance architecture is characterized by the use of classical ornamental motifs, grand proportions, and a sense of monumentality.

Decline or Rococo Period

• The late 17th and early 18th centuries marked the Decline or Rococo period in French Renaissance architecture.

The Louvre

• Pierre Lescot was the architect responsible for continuing the work on the southwest angle of the Louvre during the reign of Henry II.
• Jean Goujon is credited with executing most of the remarkable architectural sculptures during this period.

Palace of the Tuileries

• The palace of the Tuileries was built by Philibert de l’Orme during the reign of Francis II.

Advanced Renaissance Style

• The advanced Renaissance style is characterized by the use of colossal orders, pedestals, and ornate decorative elements.

Classicism in French Architecture

• Pierre Lescot is credited with introducing classicism into Baroque architecture of France.

Château de Madrid

• The architecture of the Château de Madrid in the Loire Valley shows Italian influences, particularly in the use of rusticated stone, classical ornamental motifs, and a sense of monumentality.
• In the architecture of the Château de Madrid, classical ornamental motifs replaced Gothic details.

Column Preferences

• The castles and palaces of the period described preferred the use of Corinthian columns.