Renaissance Paris

Book excerpt: In the modern literature on Renaissance art and architecture, Paris has often been considered the Cinderella of the European capitals. The prestigious buildings that were erected soon after Franois I decided in 1528 to make Paris his residence have long since been lost. Thomson, however, restores this fascinating chapter of architectural history in his careful synthesis of documentary and technical sources. In the modern literature on Renaissance art and architecture, Paris has often been considered the Cinderella of the European capitals. The prestigious buildings that were erected soon after Franois I decided in 1528 to make Paris his residence have long since been lost. Thomson, however, restores this fascinating chapter of architectural history in his careful synthesis of documentary and technical sources.