About this piece
back to topA large antique stained glass arched panel of King Francois I. Competently painted, this late 19th century French window is a stunning and detailed interior feature inspired by this affluent figure.
Previously forming the front of a cabinet, this stained glass would make a distinctive feature window in any period property, flooded with natural light.
This large and vivid panel depicts the king with a sceptre, dressed in robes with a ‘F’, for Francois, to his hat. It is fitted into a modern frame.
King Francois
King Francois was the son of Charles de Valois-Orleans. Brought up by two women, who he doted upon, Francois grew up to become infatuated with romance and songs, rather than his classical studies.
Before Louis XII died he married his 15-year-old daughter Claude to Francois, as he did not have a male heir. At the age of 20, in 1515, Francois become King of France.
He was known for his quick and shrewd mind, memory, and curiosity; all of which compensated for his inexperience.
During his reign, he conquered Milan to accomplish the dying wish of his predecessor Louis XII, who wished to retake his great grandmothers heritage. At the battle of Marignano, Francois’ army defeated the ‘invincible’ Swiss mercenaries.
He was also known for granting pensions to artists who brought masterpieces to his court and became a major patron of the arts and scholarship, securing the services of artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Andrea del Sarto.
During his reign he also signed a perpetual peace treaty with the Swiss, and brought women to court, a rogue notion of his time, saying: “A court without women is a year without spring and a spring without roses.”
The king waged campaigns in Italy and fought a series of wars with the Holy Roman Empire. During the Battle of Pavia, in 1525, he was captured and put in a prison tower in Madrid for years.
King Francois eventually died of fever in 1547 and was succeeded by his son Henri II. Although the last 20 years of his reign had trials and tribulations, Francois was to his countrymen and the succeeding generation ‘le grand roi Francois’ or ’the great King Francis’.
