Hardouin-Mansart, Jules

(1646-1708)

   architect

   Jules Hardouin-Mansart, whose work represents the culmination of the Louis XIV style, was born in Paris, the grandnephew of François mansart. Hardouin-Mansart was appointed first architect to louis XIV in 1676. Commissioned to enlarge the palace of Versailles, in 1684 he designed the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel, the north and south wings of the palace, the orangerie, and the stables. He completed the facade of the palace and gave versailles its definitive style. Building on the work of his great-uncle François Mansart, he codified the French order, characterized by its grandeur and regularity and its use of fine French products and materials. He also designed the château of Clagny, near Paris, (1675-83) for Mme de montespan and renovated the Grand Trianon at Versailles. Additionally, he produced many other châteaux, hôtels de ville, churches, municipal buildings, and public squares, including the octagonal Place vendôme in Paris (1699). Commissioned to complete the invalides, he achieved that building's striking dome, which is considered a masterpiece, by superimposing two drums to create the effect of soaring grandeur (1676-1706, Paris).