KINGS AND GLOBALIZATION

THE CRACKS AROUND THIS PAINTING WERE FINALLY REPAIRED... 

(IN 2023)

Louis XIII bows before a crucifix, church of Saint-Paul Saint-Louis, 4th

But though people stop there to meditate or light candles, I have never seen anyone contemplate the giant painting of homage to the king, in a church built to honor monarchy.

That past has been forgotten.

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Compare that work with images like this one: The gorgeous, colossal, invincible queen does not say what she is selling, still less why it should be bought...

Ad on the summit of the Hôtel Lutétia, 6th

She looms over the public like Big Brother, in hommage not to a product but to a brand, whose purchase is an order.

To fall for such bait a public must be submissive, credulous and have no conflicting frame of reference: The monarchs' majesty

stands in the way of such annihilation.

As well, they have left a legacy 

of artistic and architectural grandeur

that makes consumption-ism insignificant.

One does not reject it — one ignores it.

Pamela Spurdon

Louis XIV in the courtyard of the Louvre

The kings re-enter history when we notice
 the majesty they transmit.

End of Part III.

*      *      * 

The other great reason for Paris's beauty,
the fear that insurrections inspired,
is as suppressed as are the kings.

Part IV addresses that gap.

 IV.
The city of revolt and massacre