From warrior King to patron of the arts
How did Francis I – who was victorious at Marignano in 1515 but defeated ten years later in Pavia – save his reign? By becoming a patron of the arts and a protector of literature. “The century of Francis I” exhibition illustrates the extraordinary impetus the king gave to literature and the arts through his interest and political will, but also thanks to his enlightened entourage. Illuminated manuscripts, architectural drawings, paintings and decorative art objects demonstrate the immense cultural influence of the man who won the battle of Marignano. Read more.
Suzanne Valadon’s shifting gaze