Bert Kaufmann
Château de Pierrefonds
Pierrefonds - Picardie - France
The Château de Pierrefonds is a castle situated in the commune of Pierrefonds in the Oise département (Picardy) of France.
The Château includes most of the characteristics of defensive military architecture from the Middle Ages, though it underwent a major restoration in the 19th century.
The Château de Pierrefonds was a ruin for more than two centuries. Napoleon I bought it in 1810 for less than 3,000 francs. During the 19th century, with the rediscovery of the architectural heritage of the Middle Ages, it became a "romantic ruin".
Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte (later Napoleon III of France) visited the castle in 1850. As emperor, he asked Viollet-le-Duc in 1857 to undertake its restoration, continuators are Maurice Ouadou and Juste Lisch until 1885. There was no question of a simple repair to the habitable parts (the keep and annexes): the "picturesque" ruins in front were to be kept for decor. In 1861, the project grew in scale: the sovereign wanted to create an imperial residence, so the castle was to be entirely rebuilt. The works costed a total of 5 million francs, of which 4 million came from the civil list.
Pierre Cuypers was inspired by the Château de Pierrefonds. He restored the "De Haar"-castle along the main lines of the architect Viollet-le-Duc
Château de Pierrefonds
Pierrefonds - Picardie - France
The Château de Pierrefonds is a castle situated in the commune of Pierrefonds in the Oise département (Picardy) of France.
The Château includes most of the characteristics of defensive military architecture from the Middle Ages, though it underwent a major restoration in the 19th century.
The Château de Pierrefonds was a ruin for more than two centuries. Napoleon I bought it in 1810 for less than 3,000 francs. During the 19th century, with the rediscovery of the architectural heritage of the Middle Ages, it became a "romantic ruin".
Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte (later Napoleon III of France) visited the castle in 1850. As emperor, he asked Viollet-le-Duc in 1857 to undertake its restoration, continuators are Maurice Ouadou and Juste Lisch until 1885. There was no question of a simple repair to the habitable parts (the keep and annexes): the "picturesque" ruins in front were to be kept for decor. In 1861, the project grew in scale: the sovereign wanted to create an imperial residence, so the castle was to be entirely rebuilt. The works costed a total of 5 million francs, of which 4 million came from the civil list.
Pierre Cuypers was inspired by the Château de Pierrefonds. He restored the "De Haar"-castle along the main lines of the architect Viollet-le-Duc