4.8.3. 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 colossal figure looms over town like Big Brother, in hommage to a brand for which purchase has no reason. In an economy based on consumerism, buying is an order.

And all else, as these pages show, is left out.

The pont d'Arcole in central Paris

To fall for that one must be submissive, credulous and have no conflicting frame of reference: The monarchs' majesty

stands in the way of such annihilation.

As well, it has 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 IV.

*      *      * 

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

Part IV addresses that gap.

 V.
Cradle of upheaval