Maison de Bois, Medieval house in Mâcon, France
Maison de Bois is a residential building in Mâcon with an extraordinary wooden facade decorated with carved human and animal figures. The structure rises over several stories with projecting bays and was constructed using a timber-frame system.
The building was constructed in the early 16th century and represents one of the most remarkable examples of medieval timber-frame architecture in France. Its historical importance led to its official protection as a classified monument in 1920.
The wooden figures on the facade show everyday people and performers, such as dancers and musicians, captured in their daily activities. These carvings reveal what life and entertainment looked like for people in that era.
The building sits in the old town of Mâcon and is easily reached on foot, particularly if visited in the late afternoon when foot traffic is lighter. Nearby museums and other historical sites can be explored in combination with this location.
Many of the carved figures on the facade show humorous and playful scenes, revealing that medieval craftsmen brought wit and imagination to their work. This lighthearted and playful design was rather unusual for the time and suggests a patron with an open mind.
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