Andre Le Notre Paintings

André Le Nôtre, born on March 12, 1613, in Paris, France, was a principal gardener to King Louis XIV and became one of the most prominent landscape architects in history, transforming French formal garden design. He hailed from a family of gardeners and was the son of Jean Le Nôtre, who served as the master gardener of King Louis XIII at the Tuileries.

Le Nôtre first studied under his father and later worked under the royal gardener Jacques Boyceau. His talent and connections allowed him to rise in the ranks, and by the mid-17th century, he was appointed the principal gardener of King Louis XIV. Le Nôtre's work is renowned for its symmetrical and geometric patterns, expansive vistas, and the integration of architecture with natural landscapes.

The apex of Le Nôtre's career was his work at the Palace of Versailles, where he created the iconic gardens that remain a symbol of absolute monarchy. The grandeur and scale of his designs at Versailles reflected the Sun King's desire for glory and control. Le Nôtre's other significant projects included the gardens at Vaux-le-Vicomte, Chantilly, and Fontainebleau.

Le Nôtre's influence extended beyond France, as his style became synonymous with French garden design, impacting royal gardens across Europe, such as Peterhof in Russia and Hampton Court in England. Although his style eventually gave way to the English landscape garden movement, his approach to garden design set a standard for centuries.

André Le Nôtre passed away on September 15, 1700, in Paris. His legacy continues to be admired and studied, and the gardens he created still draw visitors from around the world, symbolizing the grandeur and elegance of the French Baroque era.