THE STYLE OF LOUIS XV. 



381 



added to by J. A. Gabriel and Aubert (c. 1 750). It is sometimes quoted 

 as the first instance of the new type of architecture, but can more justly 

 be regarded as the most splendid expression of the type of suburban 

 mansion called into being by the ease-loving and luxurious habits of the 

 Regency. Standing, as it then did, in its own grounds, outside Paris, 

 overlooking the Seine, it was approached first through a large forecourt 

 with canted angles, which is entered from the street, between two-storeyed 

 pavilions, connected by a screen concave both inside and out, and then 

 through a court of honour, the upper part of which is embraced between 

 the three wings of the main building. The latter comprised all the 

 newest devices conveniences of all sorts, a perfected system of 

 intercommunication and subdivision, curved and elliptical rooms 

 and is arranged on a single floor to avoid the fatigue of stairs (that 



363. HOUSE IN THE ILE ST Louis, BY J. A. MEISSONNIER : PLANS OF 

 FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS. 



is for the masters, for all the servants' offices were in the basement), 

 while in addition to the two main entrances all the principal rooms 

 had French windows opening on to a terrace raised eight steps above 

 the garden. The building was roofed a ritalienne, i.e., with an unseen 

 roof behind a balustrade, permitting the use of top lights where required. 

 The elevations, which were of exceptional richness, had an order of 

 Corinthian pilasters, reinforced, at the curved projections, which flank 

 the outer sides, and the square ones, towards the court and river, by 

 detached columns. Over the central bay, on the north elevation, 

 the entablature was formed into a high curved pediment culminating 

 in a group of sculpture. The balustrade was surmounted by vases 

 and, at the angles, by groups of cupids. Rich cartouches crowned 

 the windows, and elaborate panels enlivened the wall-surfaces. No 



