Domenico da Cortona (1470-1549)

Italian architect and woodcarver. Domenico executed most of his best-known works in France, where he arrived in 1495 at the summons of Charles VIII. Responsible for the furthering of many Italian ideas in France, he probably designed the wooden model for the Château de Chambord, which was begun in 1519. A development of the designs of Giuliano da Sangallo, the model included such novel features as a double central staircase and had a profound influence upon subsequent architects in France.

Other works included the design of the Hôtel de Ville in Paris (1532).