Here on Rue Bruant we find ourselves surrounded by history. This street pays homage to a significant figure. It honors Libéral Bruant.
Rue Bruant is located in Paris’s 13th arrondissement. The street starts at 60 Boulevard Vincent-Auriol. It ends at 10 Rue Jenner. Rue Bruant is about 280 meters long. It is 10 meters wide.
Libéral Bruant, often called Bruant, was a classical architect. He was born around 1636 in Paris. Bruant died in Paris on November 22, 1697. He came from a family of architects. He was a student of François Blondel. In 1663, he became an architect for King Louis XIV.
Bruant joined the Royal Academy of Architecture. He was one of its eight founding members in 1671. Other members included François Blondel and Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Bruant was both an architect and an entrepreneur. He was involved in real estate development. He even taught Jules Hardouin-Mansart.
Bruant was a major architect during Louis XIV’s reign. He received many commissions. These commissions came from the public, aristocrats, and wealthy Parisians. Bruant’s architectural style emphasized simplicity. He aimed for understated ornamentation. He valued practicality in mathematical harmony.
Bruant’s notable works include several significant Parisian landmarks. He designed the Salpêtrière hospital. He also designed the Hôtel des Invalides. Another of his projects was the Hôtel Libéral Bruant. He also contributed to the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires basilica.
The Rue Bruant itself has an interesting past. It was created in the late 18th century. It follows an old path from the village of Austerlitz. This area was once filled with quarries. The north side of Rue Bruant traces the path of the Wall of the Farmers-General. A remnant of this wall still exists. It runs along the Salpêtrière hospital.
Let us talk more about one of Bruant’s most famous creations. It is the Hôpital de la Salpêtrière. King Louis XIV decided to build the hospital in 1656. This decision was influenced by Vincent de Paul. The hospital aimed to address poverty and public order. The site was originally wasteland. It was used for making gunpowder. This is because of the presence of saltpeter. Saltpeter gave the future hospital its name.
The Salpêtrière was designed to house women. Men were housed at Bicêtre and children at La Pitié. Louis Le Vau initially designed the hospital. After his death in 1670, Libéral Bruant took over. Bruant designed the main façade. This façade later influenced the Hôtel des Invalides.
The chapel at Salpêtrière has a Greek cross plan. It features a central octagonal choir. The chapel’s interior is known for its pure volumes. Today, the Salpêtrière hosts exhibitions and concerts. It has even been used as a filming location. The Hôpital de la Salpêtrière has been a historical monument since 1976.
Rue Bruant connects us to Libéral Bruant’s legacy. It reminds us of his contributions to French architecture. Bruant’s designs shaped Paris. They continue to inspire awe.