Paris is currently one of most beautiful cities on the planet. It was visited by over 83 million people in 2012 making it the most visited country. Paris, France’s capital, is its main attraction. France was not always a popular tourist destination. In fact, it was once a gateway to Caesar’s conquers throughout Europe. The development of France was helped by several geographical features as well as individuals. Francis I’s reign played a major role in shaping the country and its future. Francis I is partially responsible for the French Renaissance’s beginnings, which attracted many prominent artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci. Although there are many components to Paris’s development, Francis I, France’s achievements and aspirations were a key part of making it what is today.
R. J. Knecht explains Francis I’s life and accomplishments through his book The Valois. The Valois is the French royal family that existed from 1328-1589. Francis I reigned between 1515-1547. Knecht is a 16th-century French historian who has mastered the subject. He discusses Francis I’s achievements in terms of his court, building accomplishments, and love for art. A reader will understand quickly that Francis was influential and powerful. He was the patron of artists from all parts of the globe. The king was respected, wealthy and powerful. Although the royal court existed in some form, it was not a permanent institution. However, during Francis’ reign, it was made into a more respected department. In French court terms, “The monarch prided himself in being easily accessible for his subjects.” (153). The king’s accessibility to his subjects can suggest that he isn’t afraid to speak up and accept them. He wouldn’t show his face to his subjects if he was unhappy. This is a sign that Francis was aware of his empire’s success and was highly respected for it. Francis showed his power by parading across his country. Six departments managed the royal family’s needs (153). The chapelle and chamber, as well as the hotel, fourrieres and veneries, were the most significant. The court was made up of “As many to ten thousands people with a corresponding amount of horses.” (155). The court brought its own furniture, as well as luxuries like gold plates. His furniture was always with him as he traveled through France. He would travel frequently. One Venetian said that he never saw the court at the same location for more than fifteen days during the entire period of his embassy. (155). The portrayal of the King throughout the piece shows him to be confident and unpredictable. Francis was able to exert more influence because of this constant movement at the court. Nobles would often visit the court to try and win favor with a king or earn an office or title. But often the king would be hunting, so the nobles could not find him. His court could have moved because he was a follower of herds and packs. But it could also have been to spread his influence. It was not possible to have a television or a news media so kings had to visit different areas of the country. Francis I would host a parade when he visited a providence. The king would receive propaganda and monuments could also be built. The king was well-represented by the court.
Francis was a master builder. He not only funded the construction of Loire Valley and Ile-de-France Palaces, but also designed them (156). Because Francis I reigned, many buildings that were used during wartime as fortifications were repurposed. Fountainebleu was the king’s favourite chateau, as it is “located in a vast wood where he hunted elk.” (158). Rosso was a Flourentine Artist who was to decorate the palace’s gallery. He enjoyed the gallery so much, he kept it’s key (158). The King was a big patron of the arts. He invited Leonardo da Vinci in 1516 to settle in France…and gave him his house.” (158). The Mona Lisa, which was the most prominent painting he received from Da Vinci’s collection, was added to his royal collection. Andrea del Sarto worked with the King as well, painting Charity for Rosso. Primaticcio was also painted by him. Francis is believed to have the “Finest Collection of Art North of the Alps.” (159)
Francis is known as the “father of letters” because he established the College de France. Fontainebleau’s library was also built by him. Because Francis was not well educated, the College and library were intended for scholarly learning. He ordered the rebounding of books from his royal library (161) in 1546.
This shows that he loved the written word. He also owned a personal library of books in Greek, Latin and Hebrew. He is known for his efforts to promote the standard French language (Knecht). Francis II, Francis’s son, continued the father’s work. He even hired one of the artists. Francis II was more concerned to promote his image. His picture was inscribed on currency. The people saw him as a great swordsman/rider (164).
Francis I was known as a builder. His influence was enormous, bringing in Italian artists. Fontainebleau was his creation and he made it look magnificent. He built libraries and colleges. Francis I made France an international power. France today is probably due to this award.
