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An Email Message From Biltmore

Grand Staircase Carvings - Sent Mon 10/2/00 9:50am

Thank you for your recent query regarding the figures on the Grand Staircase at Biltmore House. The two figures, which are caved in limestone, represent St. Louis (King Louis IX of France) and St. Joan of Arc. Both were carved by Karl Bitter, the Viennese sculptor who executed numerous architectural sculptures for Biltmore House. St. Louis is, among other things, the patron saint of architecture. Joan of Arc may have been chosen because she used Blois as her campaign headquarters in 1429 and was a very important figure in the history of Blois. Biltmore’s architect, Richard Morris Hunt, was greatly influenced by the architecture of the great chateaux in the Loire Valley of France. The three chateaux that exerted to most influence were Blois, Chambord, and Chenonceau. The Grand Staircase of Biltmore House was copied from the staircase at the chateau de Blois.

I hope that this information is helpful to you. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit! Again, thank you for your interest.

Sue Clark
Interpretive Specialist

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