Lescot, Pierre (1515-1578)

French architect. His most famous work is at the Louvre in Paris, where he designed a square court known as the Cour Carrée (1546-51). On this and other projects he worked closely with the sculptor Jean Goujon. His designs, which played an important role in the development of French architecture, show the influence of the architecture of both the Italian Renaissance and ancient Rome.

Born into a wealthy family of lawyers, Lescot first studied painting. He probably never visited Italy but became acquainted with classical ideals through books and the study of Roman ruins in France.

His design for the Cour Carrée combined classical and traditional French features. Jean Goujon provided it with a wealth of sculptures, most in low-relief, and the court was completed under Claude Perrault in the 17th century.

Other major works included the Fontaine des Innocents (1547-49) in Paris and the Hôtel de Ligneris (now the Musée Carnavalet) (1545). Several other influential works have been destroyed.