Wednesday 20 May 2009

André le Nôtre

This good looking guy is, or rather was, André Le Nôtre, head gardener of Louis the 14th in Versailles and many, many other significant gardens in France and indeed Europe, as you will see if you click here. He created the gardens of the palace in an area that was nothing but marshes.
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Ce bel homme, c'est, ou plutôt c'était, André le Nôtre, celui à qui l'on doit les jardins de Versailles, entre autres dizaines de réalisations en France et en Europe. A Versailles, ce ne fut pas une mince affaire, puisque le domaine tel qu'il existe aujourd'hui n'était à l'époque qu'une vaste forêt marécageuse. Pour plus d'infos sur le jardinier de Louis XIV, c'est par ici.

21 comments:

crocrodyl said...

He was an artist for sure - creating gardens is an artist work:)

Lowell said...

He does have that chiseled appearance - like a man who can do just about anything!

I like the angle of your composition here.

That is the chicken said...

He looks like quite a catch...I'd have him work in my garden any time...if he washed the moss off his face!

Clueless in Boston said...

There is a lot to be said for landscape architecture, not doubt the reason he has a statue in his honor. What is better than a beautifully designed garden or park for enjoyment - it is a treat for all the senses, not just the eyes.

Wolynski said...

Gardeners were held in higher regard in those days. If you created Versaille you deserve a statue.

Frankie / Nick said...

Such creativeness deserves to be so honored.

gogouci said...

I wish I had long flowing hair like that. I'm jealous.

Olivier said...

voilà donc ce paysagiste de génie, a qui l'on doit les plus beaux jardins de France. Il est fait fier sur la statue et il a de quoi

Tash said...

He was soooo handsome! I don't know if I'd want the grand gardner to upstage me if I was the king. He must of been really great at his work.

raf said...

Stands to reason that the sun king's grand estate would require a gardener with a profuse mane. :) Like the angle and light on the face, Ciel.

Laurent said...

Quel bel homme ! comme dirait Jacques !

Cezar and Léia said...

Hello dear friend!
Clever idea!He was cute but his hair... LOL!
Léia

B SQUARED said...

The man is a genius!

Bergson said...

Ce bon vieil Andre il ferait bien de se bouger et de venir voir mon terrain
il y a du boulot

Rob said...

A true master gardener. His work is still admired.

Unknown said...

Monsieur le Nôtre did a great job indeed! He surely deserves shuch a gorgeous statue!

Halcyon said...

Quel bel homme ! Je crois qu’il a fait des jardins du Vaux-le-Vicomte. Il n’est pas très connu mais il a été l’inspiration pour le château de Versailles. Je l'ai visité plein de fois quand j’habitais en Seine et Marne – c’est superbe et il y a toujours moins de touristes.

Emma Bond said...

A very talented fellow!

Anonymous said...

I wonder if that was his real hair or if he used er an enhancement! I like the angle of this photo.

Sharon said...

Very handsome and very talented!

Sharon

Catherine said...

Un nom illustre qui mérite bien une statue et de nombreux posts sur ses réalisations. Un architecte paysagiste qui a créé l'écrin où rayonne le château.