62 



RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE IN FRANCE. 



56. CASTLE OF AZAY-LE-RIDEAU (1521). 



him of the same functions in regard to Francis I.'s buildings at Blois, 

 where he lived, presents no difficulties. 



BURY. Innumerable other chateaux arose about the same period 

 inspired by the same influences as the royal residences. One of the 

 earliest of the fully Renaissance country mansions was that built by Flori- 

 mond Robertet at Bury near Blois (Fig. 42). There are indications that 

 it was designed by Fra Giocondo. The building, however, does not seem 

 to have been commenced till after 1515, or at least ten years after his 

 return to Rome. It is now a complete ruin only distinguishable from 

 a mediaeval fortress by an occasional string or shell ornament. The 

 gallery inside the screen wall at the entrance was of particularly graceful 

 design. 



AZAY-LE-RIDEAU. One of the most attractive of the lesser chateaux 

 of this phase is that of Azay-le-Rideau, built in 1521 on an island in the 

 river Indre (Fig. 56). In plan it is L-shaped, with round turrets at the 

 angles, and on the three outer sides it has machicolations and a chemin 

 de ronde forming a bold cornice. The ordinance is clear and simple, 

 and with judicious restraint the ornament is confined to a few im- 

 portant features, whose delicate elaboration thus receives its full value. 

 There is great beauty in the design of the dormers and of the stair- 

 case bay (Fig. 45). The stair is planned in straight parallel flights 



