Gallery of Francis I, Renaissance gallery in Palace of Fontainebleau, France.
The Gallery of Francis I is a long corridor lined with twelve large painted panels framed by ornate stucco moldings. The walls feature fine wood paneling and display mythological scenes along with golden salamanders as a recurring royal symbol.
The king commissioned Italian artists to transform this space in the 1530s as he built and decorated his new palace. This early work helped shape the visual language of French royal art for generations to come.
The gallery showcases a blend of Italian and French artistic styles that represent royal power and values. Visitors notice how the decoration celebrates the king's role as a patron of the arts and culture.
This corridor connects multiple sections of the palace and also serves as a display space for artworks. Plan time to observe the detailed decoration covering the walls and ceilings as you walk through.
The renowned artist Rosso Fiorentino directed the artistic transformation and merged Italian painting techniques with French design in a groundbreaking way. His contribution marked a turning point that shifted how French royal art would develop for centuries.
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