The sculpted "putti" decorations

Beware: at the top of the grand staircase, winged children with dangling legs emerge from the cornice! This sculpted decor features 4 groups of "putti" or "Amours". They are the work of Philippe de Buyster (1595-1688), based on models by Jacques Sarrazin (1592-1660). Can you recognize these 4 sculpted groups?

First group

Recognize him with his bow ? That's right, it's Cupid ! He features in the sculpted group representing Love and Hymen. This allegory has a special place in Maisons. Indeed, the "château" sometimes appears as a tribute to René de Longueil's young wife, Madeleine Boulenc de Crèvecoeur, who died in 1636. The castle's decorations bear witness to the importance of these marital ties through multiple allusions: intertwined initials, the Boulenc de Crevecoeur coat of arms and the presence of fidelity symbols hidden in the ornaments!

Second group

The Château de Maisons is also a place for receptions and festivities. Music, for example, is present in the form of a group of singing putti, with their musical scores and instruments arranged around them.

Château de Maisons, escalier, groupe de putti illustrant l'amour
© Philippe Berthé / Centre des monuments nationaux

Third group

This one illustrates architecture or geometry, a true allegory of the Arts and Sciences, with compass, pencil and square!

Fourth group

The last group represents a theme dear to Renaissance artists, who were fascinated by references to Antiquity: War and the contrast between active, military life and contemplative, intellectual life !