A Dutch artist with the wonderful name of Lambert Doomer, arrived in Amboise in the summer of 1646. He left with a sketchbook of wonderful drawings which captured the spirit of the age.

Millions flock to Rome to gaze on Michelangelo’s Pietà, one of the most magnificent works of art the world has ever seen but how many of them know that it was commissioned by a French man?

To mark the fifth centenary of Leonardo’s death in 1519, the Vatican loaned it to the Château to be exhibited to the public. This was the first time in 500 years it had been seen outside the Vatican and Italian Museums.

François Clouet was taught by his father Jean Clouet. Jean Clouet was taught portraiture in Amboise by Leonardo da Vinci. François opened the first chapter in the history of of modern painting in France. His death ended the glorious days of portrait painting in France.

If it were not for Francesco no-one would know Leonardo’s exquisite drawings, the workings of his mind on the mysteries of the universe or that he told his apprentices painting is a science based on mathematics and geometry.

Jean Clouet (1480–1541) was Court Painter to François I. Like his predecessors Fouquet, Bourdichon and Perréal (all named Jean) he lived in Tours. Like his predecessors, Clouet did his drawings in red and black chalk. Also like them he was a gifted miniaturist. Seven are in BNF (Bibliothèque Nationale de France).

Although Jean Perreal (1450-1530) was born in Lyon, for some unknown reason he called himself Jean de Paris. Best known as a portrait painter to the royal Court, what he should be famous for is showing his painting technique to none other than Leonardo da Vinci.

Jean Bourdichon (1459–1521) was apprenticed to the Court painter, Jean Fouquet. Like his master, he was born, lived and died in Tours. Unlike his master, he has no statue, although his house (3 rue de la Serpe) is a protected monument.