Decoration of the Royal Staircase

The chamber of Francis I’s favourite, Anne de Pisselieu, Duchess d’Etampes, was directly next to that of the king. Moreover, it was lavishly decorated between 1541 and 1548 by Primaticcio, who painted the stucco work with impressive mannerist figures and frescoes depicting the amorous adventures of Alexander. The d�cor was finished by Niccolò dell’Abbate. Converted into the Escalier du Roi (King’s Staircase) in 1748-1749 by Louis XV, part of the d�cor still remains. The painted ceiling was completed under Louis-Philippe I.

The photo shows the Royal Staircase (previously the bedroom of Madame d’�tampes).