- Original oil on canvas
- Unstretched, unframed
- Will be shipped rolled in a tube
- Size: 31-1/2 " x 25-1/2" (81 cm x 65 cm)
- Year: 2002
- Signed W. Zych
- Quality linen canvas
- Condition: very good, except for some spots (missing/chipped paint) that need restoration. Please see photos marked with orange circles showing small areas of chipped paint
- Depicts the Château of Sully in the Loire Valley in France
- If in doubt, please ask questions
*** orange circles show areas of chipped paint **
About the Loire Valley Châteaux
The Loire Valley in France is an outstanding cultural landscape of great beauty, containing historic towns and villages. These castles (or châteaux) represent a nation of builders starting with the necessary castle fortifications in the 10th century to the splendor of those built half a millennium later. When the French kings began constructing their huge châteaux here, the nobility, not wanting or even daring to be far from the seat of power, followed suit. Their presence in the lush, fertile valley began attracting the very best landscape designers. The magnificent châteaux are cultural monuments that illustrate to an exceptional degree the ideals of the Renaissance and the Age of the Enlightenment on western European thought and design.
About the Château de Sully
Château de Sully-sur-Loire was built in 1395 on the banks of the Loire to strategically control the river crossing
Built at the end of the 14th century on the banks of the Loire, the Château of Sully is the eastern doorway into the Loire Valley. The château is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a true medieval fortress that was first classified as a Historical Monument in 1928. It maintains its singular appearance thanks to its wide moats (still filled with water), a massive keep and high towers with pepper-pot roofs.
Right at the end of the 14th century, the family named La Trémoïlle (a new lord to Sully), ordered from the architect Raymond du Temple, in order to protect the passage across the Loire, the construction of a keep which in fact still gives the basic structure to the château today.
In 1602, Maximilien de Béthune, marquis of Rosny and minister to Henri IV, bought the lord’s domain of Sully. He is known for being the most illustrious owner of the château.
In 1602, Maximilien de Béthune, marquis of Rosny and minister to Henri IV, bought the lord’s domain of Sully. He is known for being the most illustrious owner of the château.
An illustrious owner
Maximilien de Béthune was born at his château of Rosny-sur-Seine (Yvelines) in 1559. He was a Protestant that managed to escape the 1572 Saint-Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. He spent his youth fighting in arms with the future King Henri IV, and he later played a part in re-conquering the kingdom.
From 1598, he created a recovery programme for France because it had been ravaged by 30 years of religious war. As the head minister and faithful friend to the king, he accumulated several responsibilities (notably the important function of Superintendent of Finances). He managed to correct the financial situation, developed farming, trade, fortifications, and a new road network.
Meanwhile, he became a very powerful land owner, and he acquired the Château of Sully-sur-Loire in 1602, where he carried out a lot of construction work.
In 1606, Maximilien de Béthune was at the height of his glory: he became duke and peer of France. It was at this point that he took on the name of his estate and remained henceforth in history under the name of Sully.
Following the death of the king in 1610, he decided to retire from his various positions. From then on, he spent his time managing his immense wealth and writing his memoirs, "Wise and Real Economies of State" (printed at the Château of Sully in 1638).
In 1641, Maximilien de Béthune passed away in his Château of Villebon (Eure-et-Loir) at the age of 82.
For over four centuries, the château remained in the family of the Duke of Sully’s descendants.
The château of Sully-sur-Loire was classified as a historical monument in 1928, and has been the property of the Departmental Council of the Loiret since 1962.
From 1598, he created a recovery programme for France because it had been ravaged by 30 years of religious war. As the head minister and faithful friend to the king, he accumulated several responsibilities (notably the important function of Superintendent of Finances). He managed to correct the financial situation, developed farming, trade, fortifications, and a new road network.
Meanwhile, he became a very powerful land owner, and he acquired the Château of Sully-sur-Loire in 1602, where he carried out a lot of construction work.
In 1606, Maximilien de Béthune was at the height of his glory: he became duke and peer of France. It was at this point that he took on the name of his estate and remained henceforth in history under the name of Sully.
Following the death of the king in 1610, he decided to retire from his various positions. From then on, he spent his time managing his immense wealth and writing his memoirs, "Wise and Real Economies of State" (printed at the Château of Sully in 1638).
In 1641, Maximilien de Béthune passed away in his Château of Villebon (Eure-et-Loir) at the age of 82.
For over four centuries, the château remained in the family of the Duke of Sully’s descendants.
The château of Sully-sur-Loire was classified as a historical monument in 1928, and has been the property of the Departmental Council of the Loiret since 1962.
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