Renaissance Art In France: The Decorative Arts Of First Fontainebleau School During The Reign Of Francis I

This dissertation focuses on the decorative arts of First Fontainebleau School(including architectural ornament, painting, sculpture, tapestry, armour, silverware,engraving, etc.) during Francis I’s period (reigned1515-1547). By studying the specificartworks, I hope to examine the development of Renaissance Art in France in the firsthalf of16thcentury, analyze the style and the pattern of courtly art under the absolutemonarchy, and explore the differences and similarities of Renaissance arts in the variouscountries (Italy, France and Dutch). Meanwhile, the study contextualizes the artworks ashistorical evidence, which proves the evolution of manners and reflects the developmentof civilization.The study based on “the development of decorative arts at Fontainebleau in FrancisI’s period,” which gradually expands its research. Its development consists of4sections,i.e.“cause”,“formation”,“evolution” and “influence”. Starting from the strategy onpatronage of Francis I, I represent the historical background for the emergence ofFontainebleau School, and then summarize its decorative language—form, patterns,subject matter and style. By reviewing the important artists’ personal style, it introducesthe overall change in the style of Fontainebleau School in this period. Finally, I analysesthe extension and application of the formal language of Fontainebleau School inartworks, from architectural ornament to daily necessities，which spread in Europe byprints and make a great achievement. Through this study, I hope it will fill in the blanksin French Renaissance art research documentations. Meanwhile it promotesreconsideration on decorative art and comprehension on “inheritance and innovation”.The study involves three research methods. Firstly, analyze artworks withformalism. Secondly, with iconology, understand the subject matter and meaning of theartworks; by combining cultural and historical background, explain artist’s (patron’s)motivation for selecting the subject matter and expressive method. Finally, by followingthe opinion of the Annales School, I use the images as historical evidences; incorporatethem into historical, social and cultural context, to explain the social custom and theprocess of civilization. In conclusion, the dissertation summarizes the above-mentioned research results,and reviews the value, function, formal language, consequent the pattern of courtly artat Fontainebleau in Francis I’s period, and its influence at the time and later on, inFrance and other European countries.