Exceptional acquisition: a bust of Gaston d'Orléans

A historic acquisition

Jacques Sarazin - Gaston d'Orléans © E. AmbroselliThe Royal Castle of Blois now has a rare opportunity: to acquire a terracotta bust of Gaston d'Orléans, a preparatory model for the famous marble bust that once dominated the façade of the wing that bears his name. Sculpted around 1636 by Jacques Sarazin, one of the greatest artists of the 17th century, this bust is an exceptional testimony to a work that disappeared during the Revolution.

Recently discovered in a private collector's home, this strikingly expressive portrait depicts Gaston as Hercules, proud of his origins, his strength, and his role as a builder. This face, somewhere between panache and melancholy, brings to life a forgotten chapter in the castle's history.

Gaston d'Orléans, a prince torn between greatness and rebellion

Son of Henry IV and younger brother of Louis XIII, Gaston d'Orléans was a fascinating figure: a prince of royal blood, a relentless conspirator, but also a great patron of the arts and sciences. Banished from court, he found refuge in Blois, where he launched an ambitious project to rebuild the castle, entrusting the work to architect François Mansart.

His dream? To transform Blois into a monumental classical palace. Only the wing that now bears his name was ever completed. The façade once featured a monumental bust of the prince, which has since disappeared. With your help, we could bring it back to life.

A unique addition to the museum

Adding this work to the collections of the Royal Castle of Blois is more than just a purchase: it is restoring a strong link between a man, a place, and its history. The bust will find its place in the museum tour of the royal apartments.This acquisition will also make it possible to rethink the presentation of the François I wing, highlighting the figure of this visionary prince, who is often overlooked, and offering visitors a new perspective on the history of the château and its great figures.

A call to patrons: could it be you ?

The purchase price of the bust is €350,000.
The City of Blois, proceeds from European Heritage Days 2025, and support from the Friends of the Castle, among others, will cover part of this amount.
But it is your generosity and your commitment to heritage that will make this ambitious project a reality. This is the first participatory sponsorship campaign of this scale for our castle: join us!
Every donation, no matter how small, counts. By becoming a patron, you will be actively participating in the preservation and promotion of French heritage. You will be helping to offer tomorrow's visitors a richer, more complete, and more lively experience of the Royal Castle of Blois.

To participate in the acquisition of the bust of Gaston d'Orléans:
https://www.helloasso.com/associations/ville-de-blois/collectes/gaston-d-orleans-un-nouveau-regard-sur-blois
Together, let's give Gaston d'Orléans his rightful place at the heart of the most royal of the Loire castles.

Thank you for your support!

© Agence Les Conteurs ADT41