Jacques Gabriel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacques Gabriel
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Jacques Gabriel
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| Born | 1667 |
| Died | 1742 |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Children | Ange-Jacques Gabriel |
| Parent(s) | Jacques Gabriel |
Jacques Gabriel (1667–1742) was a talented French architect. He was the father of another famous architect, Ange-Jacques Gabriel. Jacques Gabriel was a designer, painter, and architect in the 1600s and 1700s. He was one of the main people who designed parts of the famous Palace of Versailles.
King Louis XIV admired his creativity and trusted him. Gabriel became an important advisor to the king. Building parts of the Palace of Versailles was one of his most important jobs for the king. He spent much of his life working on the Versailles Palace. He also designed some of the first bridges in Paris. His son, Ange-Jacques Gabriel, followed in his footsteps. He also helped finish the Versailles Palace during King Louis XIV's time. The Gabriel family also designed other famous buildings. These include the Cathedral of La Rochelle, the Royal Opera House, and the Petit Trianon Palace at Versailles.
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Early Life and Training
Jacques Gabriel was born in 1667. His mother was a cousin of Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Mansart was a very important architect of that time. Jacques's father, also named Jacques Gabriel, built things for the French king. He also designed the Château de Choisy for the king's cousin.
In 1688, when Jacques Gabriel was just 21, he got an important job. He became one of the main controllers for the Bâtiments du Roi. This was the royal department that handled all building projects for the king.
Learning in Italy
Two years later, Gabriel traveled to Italy. He went with another architect named Robert de Cotte. They spent 18 months there. This trip helped Gabriel improve his design skills. When he came back, he became one of the "Other Architects" for the king. He was very good at managing building projects. In 1699, he joined the Académie, a special group for artists and architects.
Working for the King
A writer named Pierre-Jean Mariette knew Gabriel well. Mariette said that Gabriel was great at managing buildings. But he wasn't very good at drawing fancy decorations. So, Gabriel often worked with other designers. He relied on Pierre Lepautre for decorations. After Lepautre died, he worked with Jean Aubert. Aubert was also trained by the king's building department.
In 1734, Robert de Cotte retired. Jacques Gabriel then became the Premier Architecte du Roi. This means he was the King's First Architect. He held this important job until 1742. Then, his son, Ange-Jacques Gabriel, took over. His son was even more talented than him.
Famous Buildings and Designs
Many of Jacques Gabriel's buildings in Paris have been changed over time. But we know about some of his designs from old drawings. He helped finish the Palais Bourbon. This large palace was started by other architects. He also completed the Hôtel de Lassay nearby.
One of his most famous works is the Hôtel Peyrenc de Moras. This building was constructed between 1728 and 1731. Today, it is known as the Hôtel Biron. It is a beautiful example of French architecture.
