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Jul 8, 1510
Birth of Jean Goujon
Goujon was born in Normandy and may have traveled in Italy. He worked at the church of Saint-Maclou and the cathedral in Rouen. He collaborated with Pierre Lescot at the church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois. His style was pure and graceful. He was the"sculptor to the king." Jean became a sculptor for Henry II of France in 1547. -
Mar 31, 1547
Fountain of the Innocents
1547–1550. Goujon sculpted the six nymphs that decorate this public fountain designed by Pierre Lescot. Pierre Lescot was an architect that Jean collaborated with. The fountain was ordered as part of the decoration of the city to commemorate the royal entry of King Henry II into Paris in 1549. The fountain was placed on the site of an earlier fountain dating to the reign of Philip II of France, against the wall of the Cemetery of the Innocents. It was a grand reviewing stand for local notables. -
Jan 5, 1555
Beginning of Germain Pilon
Around 1555 he was providing models for Parisian goldsmiths. Pilon used marble, bronze, terra cotta, and wood for his works of art. He also had skill in drawing. Most of his pieces of art were used as funerary monuments. He was employed at age 20. His works were formed around realism and theatrical emotion. -
Sep 27, 1555
Imprisonment of Jean
Goujon was imprisoned for religious reasons at Ecouen. He was a Huguenot, which are members of the Protestant Reformed Church of France. He practiced calvanism. -
Jul 17, 1560
Tomb of Henry II and Catherine de' Medici
Germain Pilon was the favorite sculptor of queen Catherine de' Medici. She was also married to Henry II. This tomb was constructed between 1560 and 1573 and positioned at the very centre of the rotunda. . The monumental construction is enlivened by marble in various colors. This tomb shows mannerism and how it was a popular art style during this time. Catherine de' Medici fainted at the sight of these figures. -
Apr 22, 1561
Three Graces
The Three Gracas was executed from a single block of marble. Pilon was responsible for the piece of art. The king's heart was placed in a bronze urn held by the Three Graces, but this was destroyed during the French Revolution and has been replicated. -
May 24, 1561
Monument containing the heart of Henry II of France
This monument was made in collaboration with Domenico del Barbieri.This monument holds the heart of Henry II of France.He died on July 10, 1559 from septicemia. This was made by Germain Pilon. -
Mar 19, 1572
Death of Jean Goujon
Jean Goujon represented mannerism in France.His figures were elongated ,sensual, and fluid. He collaborated with Pierre Lescot. He showed great knowledge of Greek sculpture. Goujon was a Protestant; he escaped the French Wars of Religion by exiling himself in Italy. -
Apr 7, 1574
Tomb of Valentine Balbiani
This was sculpted by Germain Pilon. Chancellor René de Birague told Germain exactly how he wanted him to depict his wife.She is carved upon the tomb's base showing her in a deceased state within. On top of the tomb is a statute of the reclining lady shown reading a book, accompanied by her dog. This was sculpted out of marble. Valentine Balbiani died in 1572. Chancellor René de Birague's intention may have been to convey the brutal suddenness of his lost. -
Death of Germain Pilon
Germain was 65 when he died. He was born either ca. 1525 or ca. 1535. He was born in Paris, where he also died. His earlier work was had an Italian influence, but eventually developed a more French expression. His works included classical art, Gothic sculpture, and Michelangelo with the Fontainebleau adaptation of Mannerism.He was trained by his father and Pierre Bontemps.
