A name echoes through Parisian architectural history. That name is Claude Nicolas Ledoux. He was one of France’s earliest Neoclassical architecture exponents. Ledoux’s story is one of visionary designs and social ideals.
Ledoux was born in 1736. He died in Paris in 1806. He left an indelible mark on architecture. Ledoux designed domestic architecture and town planning. His visionary plan for the Ideal City of Chaux earned him the title of a utopian.
Many consider the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans Ledoux’s most ambitious work. It exemplifies architecture parlante. Conversely, Ledoux designed approximately sixty elaborate tollgates around Paris. These were part of the Wall of the General Tax Farm.
Ledoux studied under Jacques-Francois Blondel. He also studied with Pierre Contant d’Ivry. These architects introduced him to affluent clients. The Baron Crozat de Thiers was one of Ledoux’s first patrons. He commissioned Ledoux to remodel his town house.
In 1762, Ledoux redecorated the Cafe Godeau. He created an interior of trompe-l’oeil and mirrors. Pilasters painted on the walls alternated with pier glasses. Panels featured trophies of helmets and weaponry.
Ledoux designed the Chateau de Benouville in Calvados in 1768-1769. It features a simple facade. A prostyle portico breaks the facade. The main staircase is unusually placed at the center of the garden facade.
Ledoux traveled to England in 1769-1771. He became familiar with Palladian architecture. He often employed a cubic design broken by a prostyle portico. This gave importance to even small structures.
Ledoux’s reputation grew. He began a period of ambitious designs. The Hotel de Montmorency dates from this period. Statues of Montmorency family members decorate the roof.
In 1775, Ledoux became “Contrôleur et ordonnateur des bâtiments de Hesse” in Kassel, Germany. He corrected plans for the Museum Fridericianum. He also corrected plans for the town’s new entrance.
Ledoux was commissioned to modernize the Salines de l’Est. He was promoted to Inspector of the saltworks in Franche-Comté in 1771. This position earned him an annual salary.
The Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans is considered Ledoux’s masterpiece. It was conceived as the first phase of a new ideal city. The entrance features a massive Doric portico. Inside, a cavernous hall gives the impression of entering a salt mine.
Ledoux designed a theatre at Besancon in 1784. The exterior was a severe Palladian cube. The interior was revolutionary with seating for all.
Ledoux was a Freemason. He participated in Masonic ceremonies. He designed a house for the widow of the banker Thelusson.
Charles Alexandre de Calonne commissioned Ledoux to design toll-collecting offices around Paris. These were part of the Wall of the Farmers-General. The audacious construction met with political and aesthetic criticism.
Ledoux was arrested during the Revolution. He was thrown in La Force Prison. He ceased building. He attempted to publish his complete oeuvre.
Ledoux’s architectural ideas aimed to improve society. He is considered a precursor to the utopians. He formalized his innovative design ideas. These included urbanism and an architecture.
In 1804, Ledoux published “L’Architecture considérée sous le rapport de l’art, des mœurs et de la législation”. He died in Paris in 1806. His legacy continues to inspire architects.