Hosted by the Southeast Chapter
Over the next couple of weeks, Virtual Graphite & Grits will explore the Loire Valley in France. The Loire is the longest river in France and has been a center for great prosperity. This week we will focus on Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau.
With it’s blending of traditional French medieval forms and a classical Renaissance architectural language, Chateau de Chambord is a 16th century construction built as a hunting lodge for King Francis. The plan of the chateau is organized with a relentless symmetry that centers upon a grand double helix staircase, which was likely designed by Leonardo De Vinci. In contrast to the rigid symmetry of the plan, the roof top is bursting with asymmetrical towers, cupolas, lanterns, and chimneys, for its 282 fireplaces. The roof top experience feels more like a stroll through a small village rather than scuttling between gutters and gables.
Chateau de Chenonceau is also known as Chateau des Dames, as it was commissioned, renovated, and owned by women only. In 1556-1559 architect Philibert de l’Orme constructed a bridge that connected the oldest part of the chateau to the banks across the Cher river. Jean Bullant then designed and built a grand gallery upon the bridge in 1570-1576. The elegance and whimsy of the chateau was the stage for many extravagant parties and the gallery used as a great dance hall. While under the direction of Madame Dupin, Chenonceau became a literary salon for the most famous French philosophers of the Age of Enlightenment. This is also where Louise Dupin drafted the first Code of Women’s Rights.
~The Process~
Reference images will be provided each week for the selected building. Sketch during the week or over the weekend.
Use any media or technique of your choice. Have fun and experiment. All are welcome to participate, especially children and students of any age.
Please forward a JPG file of your sketch to [email protected] by Monday at noon and we will post to the ICAA Southeast Instagram account on Monday afternoon. Please include your Instagram handle in order to tag your sketch.
Post to your own Instagram account using #icaasoutheast #graphiteandgrits #connectingthroughsketching