Tell me a bio of André Le Nôtre.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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André Le Nôtre (1613-1700) was a French landscape architect and gardener who is widely regarded as one of the most influential garden designers in history. He is best known for his work on the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, which he designed and maintained for over 40 years.

**Early Life and Training**

André Le Nôtre was born on March 12, 1613, in Paris, France. He was the son of Claude Le Nôtre, a gardener and landscape designer who worked for the French royal family. From a young age, André was trained in the art of gardening and landscape design by his father, who was a skilled horticulturist and designer.

**Career**

Le Nôtre's career as a landscape architect and gardener began in the 1630s, when he worked for the French royal family. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented designer and was appointed as the royal gardener in 1645. Over the next several decades, Le Nôtre designed and maintained many of the most famous gardens in France, including the Palace of Versailles, the Château de Fontainebleau, and the Château de Chantilly.

**Palace of Versailles**

Le Nôtre's most famous work is the garden of the Palace of Versailles, which he designed and maintained from 1661 to 1700. The garden is a masterpiece of French landscape design, featuring a series of interconnected ponds, fountains, and walking paths that are surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns and gardens. The garden is designed to create a sense of drama and spectacle, with its grand vistas, ornate fountains, and perfectly manicured hedges.

**Achievements and Impact**

Le Nôtre's achievements as a landscape architect and gardener are numerous. He is credited with creating some of the most beautiful and influential gardens in history, and his designs have been emulated by gardeners and landscape architects around the world. His work at the Palace of Versailles, in particular, has had a lasting impact on the development of French landscape design, and his influence can still be seen in gardens and parks around the world today.

**Legacy**

André Le Nôtre died on September 15, 1700, at the age of 87. He was buried in the church of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near the Palace of Versailles. Le Nôtre's legacy as a landscape architect and gardener continues to be celebrated today, and his designs remain some of the most beautiful and influential in history.

**Key Facts**

* Born: March 12, 1613, in Paris, France
* Died: September 15, 1700, at the age of 87
* Trained by his father, Claude Le Nôtre, a gardener and landscape designer
* Appointed as the royal gardener in 1645
* Designed and maintained many of the most famous gardens in France, including the Palace of Versailles
* Created the garden of the Palace of Versailles, which is considered one of the most beautiful and influential gardens in history
* Influenced the development of French landscape design and garden design around the world
* Buried in the church of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near the Palace of Versailles
André Le Nôtre (1613-1700) was a French landscape architect, designer, and engineer who is widely regarded as one of the most influential landscape architects in history. He is famous for his work in the Palace of Versailles, one of the most iconic and extravagant buildings in the world.

**Early Life:**

André Le Nôtre was born in Versailles, France on March 12, 1613. He was the son of Jean Le Nôtre, a gardener at the Château de Versailles, and Catherine Barbeau. Le Nôtre was the youngest of five children, and his family's profession exposed him to the art of gardening from a young age.

**Career:**

Le Nôtre began his career as a gardener at the Château de Versailles, where his father worked. He rose through the ranks to become the official gardener and landscape architect of King Louis XIV. In this position, he was responsible for designing and maintaining the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, which was a monumental undertaking that took over 40 years to complete.

**Achievements:**

Le Nôtre's most notable achievement is the design of the gardens at the Palace of Versailles. He transformed a small, formal garden into a vast, elaborate landscape that incorporated over 200 fountains, statues, and water features. The gardens were designed to create an illusion of serenity and calm, while also showcasing the power and grandeur of the French monarchy.

Some of Le Nôtre's other notable achievements include:

* **Water features:** Le Nôtre designed over 200 water features, including fountains, canals, and lakes. These features were a hallmark of his design style and added to the beauty and drama of the gardens.
* **Landscaping:** Le Nôtre was a pioneer in the use of landscaping as a form of art. He believed that a well-designed landscape could evoke emotions and create a sense of wonder.
* **Hydrology:** Le Nôtre was a skilled hydrologist who understood the principles of water flow and the behavior of water in different landscapes. He used this knowledge to design water features that were both beautiful and functional.
* **Architecture:** Le Nôtre collaborated with some of the most famous architects of his time, including Louis Le Vau and François Mansart. Together, they created buildings and structures that complemented the gardens and reinforced the sense of grandeur and drama.

**Impact:**

Le Nôtre's impact on landscape architecture cannot be overstated. He revolutionized the field by introducing new techniques and designs that became the standard for centuries to come. His work at the Palace of Versailles set a new benchmark for landscaping and gardening, and his influence can be seen in gardens and landscapes all over the world.

Some of the key figures who were influenced by Le Nôtre include:

* **Capability Brown:** A British landscape architect who was heavily influenced by Le Nôtre's work. Brown's designs for gardens and landscapes in England were inspired by Le Nôtre's use of sweeping curves and naturalistic designs.
* **Charles Bridgeman:** A British landscape architect who worked with Capability Brown and was also influenced by Le Nôtre's work.
* **Robert Adam:** A Scottish architect who was influenced by Le Nôtre's use of classical designs and ornate details.

**Legacy:**

André Le Nôtre died on September 15, 1700, at the age of 87. His legacy as a landscape architect and designer continues to be celebrated today. He is remembered as one of the most influential landscape architects in history, and his work at the Palace of Versailles remains one of the most iconic and enduring examples of his art.

In 2008, Le Nôtre was inducted into the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as one of the most influential landscape architects of all time. His work continues to inspire architects, designers, and gardeners around the world, and his legacy as a pioneering landscape architect remains unchallenged.