Maison de Diane de Poitiers, Renaissance house in Étampes, France
Maison de Diane de Poitiers is a Renaissance residence in Étampes featuring a remarkable facade with a large arched portal topped by a rectangular pediment supported by columns with Corinthian capitals. The windows and decorative elements along the facade are richly adorned with sculptures and ornamental patterns.
The building was constructed in 1554 and represents Renaissance architecture of that era. It gained protected monument status in 1926, with its portal receiving special protection in 1939.
The portal displays a bas-relief showing the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, likely created by sculptor Jean Goujon. This religious subject matter reflects the artistic values of the Renaissance period.
The house is located on Rue Sainte-Croix in Étampes and can be easily visited on foot, with the ornamental facade best viewed from street level. The carved exterior details are visible and accessible for observation from the public way.
The house bears the name of Diane de Poitiers, though the actual historical connection to King Henry II's famous favorite remains unclear. This naming raises questions about local history and possible historical confusions in how the building became associated with her name.
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