MENU: 4.2. MILESTONES' MEANINGS
LOUIS XIV'S CORTEGE HIGHLIGHTS THE MONARCHY'S GROWING STRENGTH BY PASSING IN FRONT OF HIS GRANDFATHER'S AND FATHER'S INNOVATIONS
Henri IV (1585-1610), founder of the Bourbon dynasty, comes to power after a generation of "wars of religion" that more deeply, pitted anachronistic forces against nascent capitalists. His victory was that of Protestant entrepreneurs and his stronger kingship meant control of them.*
Henri IV Enters Paris on March 24, 1594 by François Gérard / zoom.
The ruin in the background recalls the wars' devastation.
His urban inventions highlight power, with the first...
- Straight street (rue de Birague).
- Royal "place" (place des Vosges).
- Site meant to attract crowds (the pont Neuf bridge).
- Secular statue, of himself on horseback.
Henri's son, Louis XIII (1610-1643), grants the land for a church whose architecture and decor proclaim that obedience to the king is necessary for salvation (first stone, 1626).
The Surrender of La Rochelle, anonymous, 17th century / zoom.
His definitive defeat of the Protestants is part of the much stronger monarchy that that the church expresses.
Louis XIV (1643-1715) will create...
The Doge of Genoa Makes Reparation to Louis XIV on May 15 1685, by Claude-Guy Hallé, 1715 / zoom.
- The monumental arches at the Saint-Martin and Saint-Denis gates.
- The complex that culminates with the dome of the Invalides, meant to be his mausoleum (more later).
- The space that begins at the Louvre, morphs with the horizon and is one of the planet's most influential urban designs (more later).
Royal innovations
along the main trade route
and new itinerary for the royal cortege
* * *
Next,
No comments:
Post a Comment