Jean Bullant facts for kids

Bullant pavilion at the Tuileries

Bullant's Galerie over Philibert Delorme's bridge at Chenonceaux

Jean Bullant (1515 – 13 October 1578) was a famous French architect and sculptor. He lived during the Renaissance period. Bullant designed important buildings and tombs for powerful people in France.

Some of his most well-known projects include work on the Tuileries and the Louvre palaces. He also created tombs for important figures like King Henri II and Catherine de' Medici. Jean Bullant was a Huguenot, which means he was a French Protestant.

Bullant's Early Career and Key Projects

After studying architecture in Rome, Italy, Jean Bullant returned to France in 1537. He began working for Anne de Montmorency, a very important noble. For Montmorency, Bullant helped change and improve several castles.

Designing French Castles

Around 1550, Bullant worked on the Château d'Écouen, making it more modern. He also built a smaller castle, known as the "petit château," at Chantilly. Another project was updating the Château de Fère-en-Tardenois, where he added a beautiful bridge.

Royal Architect and Famous Galleries

After the death of another famous architect, Philibert Delorme, in 1570, Jean Bullant took over projects at the Tuileries Palace. He was then made a royal architect, working for the French crown from 1571 to 1578.

One of his most impressive works is the gallery at Chenonceaux. Built between 1576 and 1577, this gallery stretches across the Cher River on top of arches. He also designed the Hôtel de Soissons for Catherine de Médicis, though most of it was later torn down. Only a special column, called the Medici's column, remains today.

Bullant's Writings and Theories

Jean Bullant was not just a builder; he also wrote books about architecture. His main book, La Règle générale architecture sur Les cinq manières de colonnes, was published in Paris in 1564 and again in 1568. This book shared his ideas on how to use different types of columns in buildings.

He also wrote practical guides for craftsmen. These included a small book on geometry and another on how to make solar clocks and other time-telling devices.

See also

• Antoine Bullant
• Catherine de' Medici's building projects

In Spanish: Jean Bullant para niños