Maison des Têtes

In the heart of Valence, France, a remarkable architectural gem stands proudly at 57 Grande Rue, a stone's throw away from the bustling Place des Clercs. This is the Maison des Têtes, or as it's known locally, the Maison des Têtes de Valence. This historic mansion, constructed between 1528 and 1532, is a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region, offering a captivating blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

The History of Maison des Têtes

The Maison des Têtes owes its existence to Antoine de Dorne, a professor at the University and Consul of Valence, who commissioned its construction upon his return from a journey to Italy. The house remained in the Dorne family until the late 16th century when it passed by marriage to Barthélémy de Marquet. Marquet completed the decorative works and added three intricately carved doors facing the garden, one of which is now preserved at the Valence Museum of Art and Archaeology.

Throughout the centuries, the Maison des Têtes witnessed various ownerships and historical events. In 1794, during the Reign of Terror, it was confiscated and later sold as national property. By the 19th century, it had changed hands multiple times before the city of Valence acquired it in 1980. Recognized for its historical significance, the Maison des Têtes was classified as a historic monument in 1944.

Architectural Splendor

The Maison des Têtes is a masterpiece of early 16th-century architecture, marking the transition from the flamboyant Gothic style to the Renaissance. The mansion is composed of four main buildings arranged around a square courtyard, designed to maximize light and facilitate movement within the property. Originally, stables and a garden flanked the mansion on either side.

The Façade

The façade of the Maison des Têtes is a visual feast, adorned with an array of sculpted heads that give the house its name. These sculptures represent various themes, including the winds, Fortune, Time, theology, law, and medicine. The ground floor features nine medallion figures in the Italian Renaissance style, while the first floor boasts Gothic elements such as corded dripstones, clustered window mullions, and intricately carved arches. The juxtaposition of these styles creates a unique and captivating aesthetic.

Among the most striking features are the four chubby-cheeked heads representing the winds and the two half-life-sized statues flanking the windows on the first floor—Fortune on the left and Time on the right. These elements, combined with the fantastical creatures and foliage motifs, make the façade a true work of art.

The Corridor

The corridor leading to the inner courtyard mirrors the façade's stylistic blend. Its vaulted ceiling, adorned with ribbed cross vaults and pendant keystones, is a nod to Gothic architecture. Renaissance influences are evident in the medallion busts inspired by Roman emperors and ancient philosophers, as well as the sculpted putti holding shields.

The Courtyard

The courtyard of the Maison des Têtes, though modest in size, was designed to showcase the wealth and status of its owner. Unlike the ornate street façade, the courtyard façade is more restrained, focusing on functionality and circulation. An elegant spiral staircase, integrated into the building rather than housed in a protruding tower, connects the four main buildings. The staircase's simple yet dignified design features a single shield as its only decoration.

One of the galleries in the courtyard, vaulted with ribbed cross vaults, leads to two doors. The more elaborately decorated of these doors, supported by a central pillar and two pendant keystones, once led to the mansion's main hall. This door is adorned with sculptures of four Church Fathers: Saint Augustine, Saint Gregory the Great, Saint Jerome, and Saint Ambrose of Milan, adding to the mansion's rich iconography.

Restoration Efforts

Over the years, the Maison des Têtes has undergone several restoration projects to preserve its architectural integrity. The primary construction material, molasse stone, is particularly susceptible to erosion and pollution. Restoration techniques have included surface consolidation with hardening agents, regrouting to remove deteriorated stone and replace it with a stone-mortar mix, and replacing damaged stone with new Vosges sandstone. These efforts have ensured that the Maison des Têtes remains a well-preserved historical monument.

The Maison des Têtes Today

Today, the Maison des Têtes serves as the home of the Valence Heritage House (CIAP) and the Valence Romans Agglo's Department of Art and History. It hosts a permanent exhibition titled Valence, City of Art and History, which chronicles the city's evolution from its medieval roots as Valentia to the present day. The exhibition features various models of Valence's key landmarks, including the Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of the city's rich history.

In conclusion, the Maison des Têtes is not just an architectural marvel but also a vital link to Valence's past. Its intricate sculptures, historical significance, and ongoing preservation efforts make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, art, and architecture. As you explore its corridors and courtyards, you'll be transported back in time, experiencing the grandeur and splendor of a bygone era.