Blog Post #10 - French Renaissance

 

During the French Renaissance, the economy grew immensely, giving birth to a consumer culture involving advertisements, increased availability of rare materials, and a desire to be “on trend.” During the Rococo period, art emphasized effect over process in hopes of creating dazzling, theatrical interiors that weren’t necessarily representational. One example of this is a room in the Hotel de Soubise that was remodeled by Boffrand. The wooden panels were painted to deemphasize the form and create a whimsical effect. Diagonally positioned mirrors reflected every corner of the room, visually expanding the space. The room was considered “modern” because it had no classical detailing. Later in the Renaissance, Francois I utilized Gothic forms with Italian Renaissance ornamentation. For example, his Chateau de Fountainbleau featured a coffered ceiling, fresco painting, wood paneling, and pilasters. This site also included elaborate gardens with lakes and fountains.

The Hotel de Soubise hides the wooden panels with paint and decorations.

 

 

The Chateau de Blois includes a spiral staircase in the front façade.

 

The confidante allows for closeness and gossip!

 

The voyeuse accommodates those watching a card game.

 

Modern application of a spiral staircase to add interest to an interior space.

 

Painted wood panels from the Rococo period are used in modern contexts.

 

Mirrors can be used to make a space look bigger

 

 

 

 

 

One Step Further

Lavinia Fontana was the first female career artist in Western Europe and contributed significantly to French Renaissance art. Fontana trained under her father, Prospero Fontana, perhaps to help make money for her family. She was well accepted during her career because her father was an artist. When she married Gian Paolo Zappi, their marriage contract stated that she would continue her career, and her husband would maintain the house and serve as her agent. Fontana primarily painted noblewomen and families. Mannerism influenced her paintings: she paid close attention to details of materials surrounding her subjects, emphasizing their wealth and making herself quite popular among the rich

Self-Portrait at the Virginal with a Servant – Fontana presents herself as a distinguished lady

 

Portrait of Bianca degli Utili Maselli and Her Children – emphasis of family values in Roman Catholic Church

 

Assunzione della Vergine

 

Closing Reflection

I found it very interesting how this period focused primarily on interior spaces and great advancements in furniture. Specifically, regarding Rococo interiors, furniture was designed with the appearance of the user in mind just as much as the appearance of the furniture piece. Pieces were flattering and comfortable looking yet required careful training to use properly. The culture also shaped furniture through pieces designed specifically for gossiping, such as the confidante, or card playing, such as the voyeuse.