II.3.2. THE STREET THAT ASSERTED ROYAL POWER

MENU: 2.3.2. The street of royal power 

KINGS MARCHED DOWN RUE SAINT-DENIS FOR "JOYOUS ENTRIES," AND COURTIERS MARCHED UP IT TO ENTOMB THEM

The city's most opulent street under the monarchy retains traces of grandeur.

 

    Entry of Louis XI to Paris by Francis Tattegrain, 1889-90 / zoom

       For more images and a text (in French), please click.

Aspects of the very long street's importance

• Processions to unite kings and subjects

• France's exceptional number of royal entry images... 

• Parading down rue Saint-Denis

• Royal funeral processions take the route in reverse

• The vanished gate

• Beyond the gate, the royal gibbet

• Public executions, demonstrations of power

• Executioners, indispensable pariahs

• Now street that is pleasant and pedestrian

*    *    *

Processions to unite kings and subjects