Studiolo, Chateau Royal de Blois

Secret cupboard in the Studiolo, or Cabinet of Catherine de Medici, decorated with 180 carved, painted and gilded oak panels, made before 1520 in Italian Renaissance style, on the first floor of the Renaissance Francois I wing, built 1515-18, at the Chateau Royal de Blois, built 13th - 17th century in Blois in the Loire Valley, Loir-et-Cher, Centre, France. The room was dedicated to reading, poetry, meditation and study. There are 4 secret compartments hidden in the panelling to conceal works of art, in the tradition of a cabinet of curiosities. The chateau has 564 rooms and 75 staircases and is listed as a historic monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picture by Manuel Cohen

Picture No

13928041

Media ID

45462265

Size

8268px x 5995px (15.8MB)

Credit

Manuel Cohen

Date

2009