After suffering military defeat at the hands of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, King Francois I of France returned to his realm in 1526, determined to triumph in matters of culture. He began by commissioning esteemed Italian artists to transform his medieval hunting lodge at Fontainebleau into a showcase royal residence; and Antonio Fantuzzi, René Boyvin, Domenico del Barbiere, Léon Davent and others made engravings and etchings that recorded the multimedia ensembles reflecting the new "Fontainebleau" style. More than 30 of these works have been selected from the collection of Kirk Edward Long to illustrate the sophistication and extravagance of this courtly style.
Open Wed-Sun 11am - 5pm, Thursdays until 8pm; admission is free. CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY.