"Do Not Miss the Chapel" Fontaine-Chaâlis Things to Do Tip by hquittner

The small chapel of 1250 is a jewel! It is of course modelled after St.-Chapelle. It was redecorated in the 1550's by the commendatory abbot Ippolito d'Este who had more influence (and some money) than anyone in Europe. He was able to get Primaticcio and his team to come over from Fontainebleau and do the design and work. Over the inner face of the West wall is an Annunciation fresco more elaborate than most created before it.(Shown in a separate Tip). Moreover, we thought that what we saw on the vaults is finer mural work than Fontainebleau. The facade was improved by the crossed ogival window and doorway. There are fine gargoyles and carved figures. Of course Primaticcio had seen the Sistine chapel and so he covered the ceiling with Apostles, Evangelists and Fathers of the Church (obtain a diagram-scorecard) and capped it off at the east end with Angels carrying the Instruments of the Passion.It is certain that he only did the sketches and iconography. His assistants did the "work". The walls are covered by a trompe-l'oeil curtain hung with the coats of arms of the Abbots of the Abbey of Chaalis. This appears to have been added by Madam Vatry the first 19C owner and builder of the chateau