The reign of Francis I is considered part of
the first period in the development of French Renaissance
and can be called the Italian period of ornament which belongs
primarily to the area of Lombardy. Buildings are still designed
in the gothic manner but dressed in renaissance style.
Examples can be found in the castles of the
Loire valley. This style is full of ornamental sculptures
highly influenced by Italian artists but nonetheless adjusted
into the French manner.
Arabesque decorative motifs, introduced in
France by the Arabs and Grotesque motifs coming from Italy
are used during the entire French Renaissance period.
The emblems of the king like the Salamander and the letter
“F” are constantly present in the designs as well
as floral motifs that come out of human shapes and turn into
letter forms. In this period there is an abundance of decoration,
low and high relief are clearly defined and become deeply
carved.
