Mask as a Leitmotif of the Art of the School of Fontainebleau

Abstract

The article explores the art of the School of Fontainebleau through the lens of the mask motif, both grotesque and theatrical, which is one of the style-forming elements of this school. The ways in which this motif entered France in the 16th century and the unique ways in which it was interpreted by the artists of this School are examined. The article discusses the points of contact between the School of Fontainebleau and the festive traditions of the Valois court. It suggests that this connection may have contributed, among other factors, to the widespread use of images of masks in paintings, graphics, and decorative-applied arts of the school.

Keywords

School of Fontainebleau; mannerism; Rosso Fiorentino; Francesco Primaticcio; mask; masquerade; festive tradition; grotesque ornament;

References

НАУЧНЫЕ ТРУДЫ
Санкт-Петербургской
академии художеств

73

Issues of the Foreign Art Development

When citing an article, use a bibliographic reference:
Mask as a Leitmotif of the Art of the School of Fontainebleau // Scientific Papers of St Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts’73. Issues of the Foreign Art Development. 2025 СПб. : СПб. акад. художеств, 2025. 196 с. C. . https://doi.org/10.62625/2782-1889.2025.73.73.003

This article is licensed under Creative Commons «Attribution 4.0 International»