From France's proudest architectural heirlooms comes this collection of ornaments—an extraordinary assortment of the sumptuous decorations that run from floor to ceiling and span the grand facades of royal residences. Their origins range from the sixteenth through eighteenth centuries, dating from the rule of France's first Renaissance king, Francis I, to the opulent era of Louis XIV, the legendary Sun King.

Illustrated with 61 color and 100 black-and-white drawings, this compilation features highlights from two rare nineteenth-century publications, one of which was edited by a distinguished architectural historian of the Louvre. A visual tour through throne rooms, private apartments, chapels, libraries, and ballrooms, it encompasses depictions of scenes from history and mythology as well as a rich assortment of botanical and other decorative elements from doors, walls, fireplaces, cabinets, consoles, and friezes. Brief captions identify each image.