MANSART, François
(b. 1598, Paris, d. 1666, Paris)

Exterior view

1642-50
Photo
Château de Maisons, Maisons-Lafitte (Yvelines)

Château de Maisons is a prime example of French Baroque architecture and a reference point in the history of French architecture. Of particular note is the emphasis on the roof through the use of steeply rising surfaces and high chimneys which are reminiscent of sixteenth-century architecture; in addition, typical of the French château, the added wings and pavilions are evidenced by the roof structure. The eighteenth century is heralded by the elegance of the vestibule, which remains classical in format.

The building is three-storey high, and the disposition is well marked by the sectioned roofs, flanked by tall, traditional chimneys and adorned with a dormer window for each volume. On the garden façade, there are empty niches between the windows on the middle storey. The most subtle handling concerns the projections on the entrance façade, with a three-level frontispiece. The orders are stacked in standard fashion, Corinthian above Ionic above Doric, and their entablatures reflect this progression: they are unbroken across the ground floor level, centrally staggered in the middle, and completely broken at the top.

The picture shows the garden front looking south-east.