Jean Cordey - Vaux-le-Vicomte - 1924

1 strong volume in-4 paperback, 258 uncut pages - External wear and stains (mainly on the back) - Nice copy.
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1. Nicolas Fouquet and the creation of Vaux-le-Vicomte
Jean Cordey first introduced Nicolas Fouquet, superintendent of finances of Louis XIV. Fouquet decided to transform his estate of Vaux into an exceptional residence, intended to show his wealth, his taste and his influence.

2. The construction of the castle
Cordey describes the construction of the castle in the 17th century. Fouquet called upon the great artists of his time: Louis Le Vau for architecture, Charles Le Brun for decorations and André Le Nôtre for gardens. The whole is a particularly innovative work by its unity between architecture, decoration and landscape.

3. The gardens
An important place is given to the park. The garden of Le Nôtre is organized according to a monumental perspective: large alleys, ponds, fountains, flower beds and water games. The castle and the garden are designed as a whole where nature is organized and controlled by art.

4. The festivals of 1661
One of the essential moments is the famous feast given by Fouquet in August 1661 in honor of Louis XIV. The king then discovers an area of extraordinary magnificence. The shows, gardens, fountains and scenery bear witness to Fouquet’s ambition. Contemporary documents on this festival have also been used by Cordey.

5. The disgrace of Fouquet
Shortly after this feast, Fouquet was arrested on the orders of Louis XIV. Cordey thus places the history of the castle in the political context of the reign of Louis XIV. The splendour of Vaux-le-Vicomte paradoxically becomes one of the symbols of Fouquet’s power at the very moment when it disappears.

6. The role of artists
Cordey is also interested in the artists and craftsmen who participated in the creation of the estate. His work does not only tell the story of Fouquet’s life: he tries to explain how Vaux-le-Vicomte was designed and built, and what place architects, painters, sculptors and decorators occupy.

7. The historical importance of Vaux-le-Vicomte
For Cordey, Vaux-le-Vicomte represents a major milestone in the history of French art. In a way, the castle heralds the great achievements of the reign of Louis XIV, notably Versailles. The experience acquired at Vaux by Le Vau, Le Brun and Le Nôtre will be decisive for their subsequent work.

In summary, very simple
Jean Cordey tells how Nicolas Fouquet had Vaux-le-Vicomte built, describes the beauty of the castle and its gardens, presents the work of Le Vau, Le Brun and Le Nôtre, then explains how the fall of Fouquet in 1661 marked the history of the estate.

The essential idea is that Vaux-le-Vicomte is both an artistic masterpiece and a symbol of the rise and then fall of Nicolas Fouquet. Cordey is particularly interested in the history and artistic characteristics of the castle and park.