including Jean Fouquet, illustrated biblical
scenes and created portraits and illumi-
nated books. By the turn of the sixteenth
century, France had become a unified
kingdom, and its increasing wealth allowed
royal patronage of writers and scholars.
The reign of Francis I, from 1515 to 1547,
marks the high point of the French Re-
naissance in art, music, and literature.
Francis took a keen interest in Italian
painting and architecture, and brought to
his court several prominent artists, includ-
ing Leonardo da Vinci. His attempt to con-
quer Italy, however, led to his defeat in the
Battle of Pavia in 1525 and his capture.
Although he eventually won his freedom,
Francis did not forget the many examples
of Italian art and craftsmanship he had
discovered while on campaign. He brought
Italian artists to France and sent men
south to collect antique and contemporary
art, sculpture, and books.
King Henry II ruled from 1547 until
his death in a contest of swords in 1559.
He was followed in power by his widow,
Catherine de Médicis, and by her sons
Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III. At
this time, France was torn by religious
strife. The Protestant movement had taken
hold in northern France, where the
kingdom’s prospering industries were lo-
cated. The realm remained tied to the
Catholic Church, however, and open war-
fare between Catholics and Protestants dis-
rupted French society for much of the late
sixteenth century.
The Bourbon dynasty that rose to
power adopted the trappings of imperial
power. Magnificent palaces and chateaus,The Chateau de Chambord in central France melds the traditional French castles of the me-
deival period with the new styles emerging during the Renaissance. FRANSLEMMENS/ICONICA/
GETTYIMAGES.
France