Hardouin-Mansart

Jules Hardouin-Mansart (1646-1708), a prominent French Baroque architect, gained notoriety by designing the Château de Clagny for Madame de Montespan, earning the favor of Louis XIV. Appointed as the king's personal architect, he constructed the luxurious Grand Trianon palace in Versailles, a retreat for Louis XIV after his days at the main castle. Thanks to his privileged position in France, he influenced European architecture, extending his impact as far as St. Petersburg and Constantinople. The introduction of "mansard roofs" in Parisian architecture became a hallmark, evident in the restoration of aristocratic buildings. Mansart's legacy is deeply rooted in French architecture, influencing late Baroque styles throughout Europe.