Sixteenth century France received a very strong
wave of Italian influence. Due to the wars France waged on
the weaker Italian states, new exposure to Italian culture
had a very direct impact on art in France and the Italian
Renaissance flowed into France. Many Italian artists were
brought over to France on commissions, including by French
kings Louis XII and Francis I.
An extensive decoration program began at the Palace of Fontainebleau,
with a school of French painters working there under the direction
of Francesco Primaticcio of Bologna, Italy. Especially notable
works of art included the sculptures by Jean Goujon and Germain
Pilon, engravings by Jacques Bellange and Jacques Callot,
portrait painting and stucco work that established the Mannerist
style of art, which was to have a very influential role in
French art.
