FRENCH RENAISSANCE: NEOCLASSIC

The French Renaissance took place from 15th throughout the 17th century. One of the most important achievements during this time period was the French Neoclassicism, it was a new way of creating art related to the governing of the country. 

During some other periods we observed that the art and design was determined by the church and religion, but during this period it was determined by political history. 

Some of the most iconic buildings during this period were Chateaus designed by French/Baroque architects. These were "castles", rulers and kings used as getaway and hunting places. 

A new design approach inspired by ancient Greece took place after 1760. Some of the features of the new design included simpler materials, less ornamentation and a preference for symmetry and pure forms. Furniture pieces became more austere and lines were straighter and patterns simpler. Designers started using exposed wood and monochromatic textiles. 

CURRENT APPLICATIONS

Woolworth Mansion at 80th Street 

French Renaissance bathroom inspired, Debra DeLorenzo Design (Wellington)

  

French inspired furniture, mirror above "fireplace", day bed on the right corner, feminine textiles and patterns

E.C

So I was looking for a video that could explain the French Renaissance in more depth and I came across this video from the Vancouver Film School done by a student, it shows different 3D animations, blueprints and renderings from different Chateaus in France. I thought it was amazing how you can make realistic animations with computer aided programs such as CAD or Revit, very impressed. 

FROM JOHN'S BLOG: He mentioned Francois and his influence on the French Renaissance period, how France was a growing artistic center for artists, painters, sculptors and artisans.

FROM LINDSEY'S BLOG: From her blog I learned that "the gardens" were one of the most important achievements of Versailles, also I thought that the hall of mirrors was something unique from this time period.