II.6.2. ALLEGORY AS WEAPON

 

ALLEGRIES THAT ASSOCIATE NOBLES WITH PAGAN GODS, FIGURES OF THE HEBREW BIBLE OR ROMANS PROCLAIM A SUPERIORITY THAT UPSTARTS CANNOT MATCH  

Diane de Poitiers was a member of the top nobility and the favorite of Henri II (1547-59). Nudity, the clothing of the gods, underscores her power: "Take me for a goddess!" this work trumpets.

            Diane de Poitiers as Diana, Goddess of the Hunt, anonymous, toward 1550 / zoom

Biblical figures are clothed, but have the bodies and faces of gods: Their stories too are associated in some way with nobles.

The Reconciliation of Jacob and Ésaü by Arnould De Vuez toward 1678, Baulme Fine Arts

Royals use: 

Philip of France in Costume of Antiquity by Jean Nocret, toward 1650 / zoom; Maurice Leloir in Le Roy-Soleil by T. Cahu, 1931

Superhumans of antiquity

 are at the heart of aristocratic arts.

As here:

• Gods and decor

• Rubens's decor for a queen

• Detour: a plea for peace and a threat of revolt

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Next,

2.6.2.a. 

Gods and decor