Ferme ornée

Marie Antoinette amusement at Versailles

Ferme ornée is a type of designed landscape that emerged in the 18th century, blending the aesthetic principles of the English landscape garden with the functional aspects of a working farm. The term, French for "ornamented farm," reflects the integration of decorative and practical elements to create a picturesque and productive rural environment. This concept is part of the broader movement of Arcadianism in landscape design, which sought to idealize rural life and landscapes, drawing inspiration from the pastoral imagery of classical antiquity.

History and Development

The origins of the ferme ornée can be traced back to the Enlightenment, a period that saw a growing appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and a philosophical interest in the harmony between humanity and nature. Influential thinkers and landscape designers, such as William Kent and Capability Brown, played pivotal roles in the evolution of landscape gardening, setting the stage for the development of the ferme ornée.

One of the earliest and most famous examples of a ferme ornée is Marie Antoinette's Hameau de la Reine at the Palace of Versailles. Constructed in the 1780s, the Hameau was a stylized village with functional farm buildings set within a romantically landscaped park, designed to allow the queen and her courtiers to indulge in the pastoral fantasy of rural life.

Characteristics

A ferme ornée typically features a combination of agricultural and decorative elements. Farms, fields, and pastures are arranged not only for productivity but also to enhance the beauty of the landscape. Ornamental buildings that mimic rural architecture, such as faux farmhouses and barns, are common, as are decorative features like ha-has, follies, and water features, all designed to blend seamlessly with the natural topography.

The layout of a ferme ornée often emphasizes views and vistas, carefully framing scenes that combine the pastoral and the picturesque. Trees and hedges are used not just as boundary markers or windbreaks but as sculptural elements to shape and define spaces within the landscape.

Influence and Legacy

The concept of the ferme ornée influenced the development of rural landscaping and agricultural estates well into the 19th century, particularly in England and France. It reflected a changing attitude towards agriculture, from purely utilitarian to an activity that could also be aesthetically pleasing and reflective of the owner's taste and sophistication.

In contemporary times, the principles of the ferme ornée can be seen in the design of some sustainable and organic farms, which aim to integrate productivity with ecological and aesthetic considerations. The movement towards agritourism and farm-to-table experiences also echoes the ferme ornée's blend of functionality and beauty, inviting visitors to appreciate both the working aspects of a farm and its landscape design.

See Also

• Landscape architecture
• English landscape garden
• Arcadianism
• Hameau de la Reine
• Capability Brown