Maison du Grand Fauconnier, house in Cordes-sur-Ciel, France
The Maison du Grand Fauconnier is a stone house in the Gothic style located in Cordes-sur-Ciel, France, built in the first half of the 14th century. The three-story building features pointed-arch windows and an ornate red sandstone facade decorated with animal sculptures, plant motifs, and two carved human figures embedded in the stonework.
The house was built in the first half of the 14th century by a wealthy family and purchased by the town in 1856. The town began restoration work in 1878 and had the building registered as a historical monument in 1875, protecting its structure and appearance for future generations.
The Maison du Grand Fauconnier gets its name from the falcon sculptures on the facade, which reference the medieval sport of falconry practiced by the nobility. The carved birds and animals decorating the stone walls show the interests and social standing of the wealthy family who built the house.
The house is located in the old town of Cordes-sur-Ciel on a pedestrian street and is easily reached on foot. Today it hosts a museum of modern and contemporary art, allowing visitors to access the interior while exploring the Gothic architecture at the same time.
The facade displays a rare painting from the building's foundation period showing a horse-racing scene with three mounted riders dressed in period clothing, rendered in ochre, red, and black tones. This original medieval artwork is still visible on the stonework today and offers insight into the artistic tastes of the family who built the house.
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