Paris Louvre Colonnade and The Intrigue Behind Its Design

Описание: The Louvre Museum Colonnade is the easternmost façade of the Louvre Palace. It is acclaimed as a masterpiece of French Architectural Classicism. However, the background behind its design involved scheming and internal governmental politics.

In 1663, Louis Le Vau, King Louis XIV’s First Architect completed the south wing of the Cour Carree. He had already begun designing the east wing during 1659 and by late 1663 had started laying the foundation. On January 1664, Jean-Baptiste Colbert purchased the position of the Superintendent of the King’s Buildings. He abruptly halted construction.

Colbert wanted to have a direct say in the design of the Colonnade on the east wing, the next phase. He invited various architects to submit designs. He selected Italian Gian Bernini’s work in the Italianate style. King Louis XIV fancied himself a refined tastemaker. He rejected Bernini’s work as too Baroque. The compromise became a committee of three including Le Vau. Naturally, they approved a classical design to their liking and the King’s.

Bernini had returned to Italy secure in his triumphant design. He would be notified of the change and frozen out from offering a response or rebuttal. It wouldn’t have mattered. Construction began during the summer and he was notified in July. The Colonnade was completed in 1674 and survived the French Revolution.