The Collection of Francis I: Royal Treasures

Francis I was the first Renaissance king of France, and reigned from 1515 to 1547. A man of considerable intelliugence and education, Francis embraced the new art of Renaisssance Italy with enthusiasm and taste, collecting the finest paintings and sculptures from Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian and others, When possible he brought the artists back to work with him in France. His many acquisitions and commissions formed the nucleus of the French royal collections, now in the Louvre. This book places the works in historical context, presenting them in the light of Francis's artistic patronage as a whole, and of the role of that patronage in the introduction of the Italian Renaissance style into French culture. Of particular interest are the many images of the king, both grand portraits and other works which symbolize the monarchy, including the great chateau of Fontainebleau.