The striking architecture of France’s châteaux provided Dufy with a wealth of inspiration. He travelled widely across Northern and Central France depicting the palaces of Brissac, Versailles, Chenonceaux, Cheverny, and Saumur. He created at least four watercolours, including the present, of the château at Chambord.

Nestled in the Loire valley, Le Château de Chombard is one of the most striking examples of French Medieval mixed with Renaissance architecture. The chateau was commissioned by the young Francois I in 1519, and thought to be designed by Domenico da Cortona and inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. The chateau was a statement of Francois’ power, intended to impress visiting royalty and dignitaries, rather than be a permanent residence. The construction took much longer, continuing into the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV, known as the Sun King.

In ‘Le Château de Chambord’, Dufy frames the building with vines, drawing the eye into the centre and elegantly comparing the beauty of the natural and the man made. He experiments with slight alterations in tone by keeping to a reduced colour palette of blues, greens and pinks, while the broad washes of colour imbue the watercolour with a softness and warmth.