The renaissance arrived in France in the late 15th century by way of Burgundy which then held Flanders. Many Flemish artists had visited the Italian cities and some had worked there. The adoption of renaissance styles was slow and varied from region to region.
Mise en tombeau of 16th century. These groups showing the burial of Christ can be good guides to clothing. Church of St Vorles, Châtillon-sur-Seine, France
Saint with donors. The man on the left wears elaborate court clothes while the kneeling donors are dressed more simply, perhaps as a sign of humility. Stained glass of 16th century, Les Iffs, Brittany, France
A female donor in a golden gown with a white chemise beneath and a jewelled cap. Stained glass of 16th century, Les Iffs, Brittany, France
Two rich old men from a Tree of Jesse (descent of Christ). They wear robes in rich fabrics, one with slashed sleeves, the other with longer sleeves. The boots on the right seem to be embroidered. Church at La-Martyre, Brittany, France.
A donor in rather old fashioned armour with a heraldic tabard. Church at La-Martyre, Brittany, France
Effigy from tomb of Diane de Poitiers, former mistress of Henry II of France. Chapel at Anet, France
A shoe for court wear with lace decoration and a solid sole. 16th century. Shoe Museum, Romans-sur-Isere, France
Shoe said to have belonged to Catherine de Medici, Queen of Henry II of France. 16th century. Shoe Museum, Romas-sur-Isere, France
A pair of shoes called bridged because of the solid sole joining heel and toe. 16th century. Shoe Museum, Romas-sur-Isere, France
Silk shoe with lace decoration. Mid-16th century (reign of Henry II). Shoe Museum, Romas-sur-Isere, France
Shoes known as escarfignons, slashed to show stockings. 16th century. Shoe Museum, Romans-sur-Isere, France
The story of Susanna. This shows a variety of dress from the children to the soldier, to Susanna on the right and her elderly accuser. 1513-32 Royal Monastery Church at Brou, France
A judge and two accusers from the story of Susanna. 1513-32 Royal Monastery Church at Brou, France
A judge, legal advisor and an accuser from the story of Susanna. 1513-32 Royal Monastery Church at Brou, France
Small statue of the Sybil of Agrippa. 1513-32 Royal Monastery Church at Brou, France
Detail of sleeve from small statue of the Sybil of Agrippa. 1513-32 Royal Monastery Church at Brou, France
Detail of dress and belt from small statue of the Sybil of Agrippa. 1513-32 Royal Monastery Church at Brou, France
Deposition with figures in contemporary dress. 16th century. Museum, Royal Monastery at Brou, France
Margaret of Austria and attendant. 1513-32 Royal Monastery Church at Brou, France
Philibert le Beau first husband of Margaret of Austria. 1513-32. Royal Monastery, Brou, France
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