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| Architecture |
It
is difficult to say exactly what the original chateau would have
looked like from its current day state. Mutilated since 1864,
the chateau today consists of a vast mansion, flanked by a monumental
stairway and the north wing that is separated by a short distance,
and which has become an independent residence. The tall windows
of the first floor are 19th century creations.
The remains
of the south wing are visible on photographs taken in the early
20th century. It seems that the original plan of the chateau
was classic – a U shaped stately home consisting of two
wings and a central building, all encircled by a moat, as is
to be found across Europe.
The front elevation of the house is rich and
polychromatic. The juxtaposition of brick, granite and delicate
limestone decorations is most effective. The front porch is
remarkable for its striking columns, the terrace that it supports,
and the double curve of its steps that meet at the entrance.
Above this is the imposing image of the Montgommery Coat of
Arms.
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Plan tiré de l'étude de Alain Prévet
"Le Château deDucey",
Bulletin Monumental, T.153-IV,
1995.
Essai de restitution de plan. |
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The
internal stairwell is one of the few historic stairwells of its
type known north of the Loire. Ornate and massive, it is composed
of granite blocs and a limestone balustrade. It serves five floors:
the kitchens, the raised ground floor, the first and second floors
and finally the attic.
The ground floor or “Grand Premier” presents vast
landing doors that are typically decorated in the style of the
16th century. The main room has an imposing fireplace, richly
ornamented by a picture of an ancient warrior, brandishing his
sword above a burning town. Above we find the family motto: Martine
non Fortuna. Beside this are two mournful ancient warriors, male
and female – Mars and Minerva?
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Next to
this room we find a small room with a ceiling fresco representing
Venus and Love framed by garlands of flowers and fruit, an echo
of the Italian renaissance.
The Golden
Bedroom or “Chambre Dorée” is equally grand
and is situated immediately above the “Grand Premier”.
The fireplace here is decorated with a mythological painting
of Apollo and two bouquets of flowers. The ceiling is decorated
with wooden details in gold leaf, flowers, female faces crowned
with leaves and so on. This style continues throughout this
level.
Clearly,
the ground floor was a masculine domain and the first floor
that of the lady of the house. The architecture is clearly that
of a grand family whose place in the history of France and Normandy
is more than significant.
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