Sambin, Hugues

Sambin, Hugues (b Gray, nr. Dijon, c.1520; d Dijon, 1601/2).
French architect, woodcarver, and designer, active mainly in Dijon. He was one of the leading French provincial artists of his time, working in a lively Mannerist style, seen in his buildings and elaborately carved furniture. His vivid imagination comes out also in his book of engravings, Œuvre de la diversité des termes, dont on use en architecture (1572), which contains 36 engraved plates of terms (see herm)—exuberantly rich designs involving all manner of motifs, including flowers, fruit, putti, and satyrs. The book seems to have been a popular source for local carvers.