D'ORBAY, François II
(b. 1634, Paris, d. 1697, Paris)

Exterior view

1662-72
Photo
Collège des Quatres-Nations, Paris

From 1662 François d'Orbay assisted Louis Le Vau in the design of the Collège des Quatre Nations, Paris (1661-74), now the Institut de France. By employing a pedimented façade (with a tall cupola behind) flanked by two quadrants ending in pavilions facing the River Seine (thus giving the structure a concave façade bordered by the wings), they showed a strong affinity with Italian Baroque art, and with the work of both Bernini and Francesco Borromini.

View the ground plan of the church of Collège des Quatres-Nations, Paris.