These sculpted stone squares, in the lapidary section of Blois Castle, are both symbolic of François Ier, King of France from 1515 to 1547. The first shows his initial, F, surrounded by a monk’s cord with three knots forming an 8, which was the emblem of his mother, Louise de Savvoie. The second is the …
Tag Archives: salamander
Salamander and Ermine – Salamandre et ermine
This is another of the magnificent painted fireplaces in Blois Castle in the King’s Room, with François I’s salamander on the left and the ermine of his wife, Claude de France, on the right. Voici une autre cheminées peinte magnifique qui se trouve au château de Blois dans la Salle du roi avec le salamandre …
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Renaissance Balconies – Balcons Renaissance
These balconies are at the top of the main staircase of the François I wing of Blois Castle. They enabled the courtiers to see the king coming up the staircase and to contemplate the festivities organised in the Court of Honour below. As usual, there are several salamanders. Ces balcons couronnent le grand escalier …
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The Pierced Swan – Le cygne transpercé
As I walked down the steps from Blois castle to Place Louis XII, I heard a child say, “Look! It’s a duck.” A swan maybe or is it a salamander, the emblem of François I? And why the arrow? Susan, from Days on the Claise, has provided the answer: This is the cygne transpercé, an emblem …
October Theme Day for CDP – "details"
This beautiful golden salamander, the emblem of François I, the Renaissance super hero, is to be found on one of the fireplaces in the Blois Castle. Check out what the other City Daily Photo bloggers have posted today on this theme here. Ce beau salamandre doré, l’emblème de François I, le super-héro de la Renaissance, se trouve …