Decoration from Castle of Blois

The doors of Francois I aisle are decorated with salamanders spitting fire and they are surmounted with a crown. The fantasy animals are filled with decorative elements reminding of the Italian Renaissance. The salamander is an emblematic symbol of Francois I, the symbol was largely depicted in his palace. He in fact compares himself to this mythological animal because of its regenerative capacity. The animal is said to be able to survive to fire, which symbolizes the power of France.