French Renaissance refers to the artistic and cultural movement in France that began in the late 15th century. The Renaissance lasted till early 17th century. French Renaissance is associated with pan-European Renaissance. Pan-European Renaissance originated in northern Italy in the fourteenth century.
The French Renaissance covers various stages such as the French invasion of Italy in 1494 when Charles VIII was the king. It also covers the death of Henry IV, 1610.
Many artistic, literary and technological developments that can be traced back to Italian Renaissance arrived in France. These developments from Italian Renaissance arrived in France from Burgundy Court and the Papal Court in Avignon.
During this phase, many hindrances came in way of France's progress. These phases were Black Death of the 14th century and the Hundred Years' War. These contributed negatively to the growth of France, economically and politically. So the influences could also not be used fully.
The French Renaissance was at its apex during the rule of Francis I and his son Henry II. Francis I ruled from 1515 to 1547 and Henry II ruled from 1547 to 1559.
After the sad demise of Henry II in a joust, his widow Catherine de Medico and her three sons Francis II, Charles IX and Henry III ruled France. Renaissance kept flourishing in France but unfortunately the French Wars of Religion between Huguenots and Catholics did immense harm to the country.
Some notable developments in France during the French Renaissance are the beginning of absolutism in France, imports (from countries like Italy, Burgundy and other places) etc. Many other significant developments took place in France during the French Renaissance such as the early exploration of the "New World".
The French Renaissance was a very rich phase of French history as it led to the development of new techniques and artistic forms in various fields. These fields include printing, architecture, painting, the sciences and vernacular literature etc. Other fields included elaboration of new codes of sociability.
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