VERSAILLES RENEWS THE ROYAL FUNCTIONS OF
DESTROYING INVESTIBLE WEALTH
AND MAKING RICHES CIRCULATE
An amplification that growth makes necessary
(whether Louis reasons that way or not)
° Emphasizes royal might:
DESTROYING INVESTIBLE WEALTH
AND MAKING RICHES CIRCULATE
An amplification that growth makes necessary
(whether Louis reasons that way or not)
• Like ritual destructions generally, it...
° Is public:
Crowds of visitors come each day
° Emphasizes royal might:
The giant complex is built around an axis
that symbolizes the endless power of monarchy
that symbolizes the endless power of monarchy
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| Versailles in 1668 by Pierre Patel, Chateau of Versailles |
The straight line begins at the very edge of town with what is now the long, straight avenue de Paris (the painting show the part nearest the chateau).
This and the Grand Axis are the first straight lines to lead to European palaces. Origins: the 12th-century space in front the royal tombs, and the short straight street that leads to the first royal place.
This and the Grand Axis are the first straight lines to lead to European palaces. Origins: the 12th-century space in front the royal tombs, and the short straight street that leads to the first royal place.
• Making riches circulate:
At least 1000 nobles can be welcomed at one time
with their servants and horses --
other estimates are 4000 and even 10,000
° They need the king's help to "hold their rank"
because economic growth is marginalizing them...
It undercuts the value of revenues from land, and they lose their privileges if they enter trade -- for which their education and way of life do not prepare them.
° ...and must come in person --
"paying" court expresses the cost,
which heightens the king's power over them
which heightens the king's power over them
Only the grandest are lodged at the chateau, so most pay an exorbitant rent in Versailles or western Paris (the 7th district, which is on the way to Versailles and where nobles' descendants still live).
They must acquire the sumptuous court dress with its four changes a day, hire servants and furnish their liveries, maintain a coach and horses, become part of a clan and gain the support of the powerful.
As well, gambling for high stakes is considered sociable and there alone is does the extremely coded life find spontaneity: a courtier says he loves watching dogs gnaw bones, because they are authentic.
It is the only time when one can sit down.
° Louis cannot reward all of courtiers tangibly,
so honors are prizes as well
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| The king's levée by Maurice Leloir |
The railings, a vestige of kingship that recalls Bornu
A courtier will be rewarded perhaps. With backing, he may be introduced to the king, and even admitted to his ceremonial rising or bedtime. Without it, he is one of hundreds who jostle each other so that Louis will notice them, as he majestically passes through the Hall of Mirrors on his way to mass each morning.
Then they analyze every remark, gesture, look, to decide whom to flatter or avoid. "Knowing one's court" is essential, but takes time, which means expense.
Success is uncertain: Saint-Simon is allowed to hold a candlestick -- after three years, and then, once.
A courtier will be rewarded perhaps. With backing, he may be introduced to the king, and even admitted to his ceremonial rising or bedtime. Without it, he is one of hundreds who jostle each other so that Louis will notice them, as he majestically passes through the Hall of Mirrors on his way to mass each morning.
Then they analyze every remark, gesture, look, to decide whom to flatter or avoid. "Knowing one's court" is essential, but takes time, which means expense.
Success is uncertain: Saint-Simon is allowed to hold a candlestick -- after three years, and then, once.
Compensation: being part of a superior world that is inaccessible to other mortals.
-- The court society by Norbert Elias, 1974.
That important study stresses the psychological aspect of these rites,
but omits redistribution as a royal function.
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| Olafur Eliasso |
• Meanwhile Protestants' wealth grows,
although they pay double taxes.
-- Blond, God's enraged, 290
Besides their control of the production already mentioned,
by the Sun King's time they are the...
° Shipowners of the major Atlantic ports
(of Normandy, Bordeaux and La Rochelle).
° Exporters of Bordeaux wine.
° Initiators of production split
between specialized establishments.
° Employers of 3-4 million Catholics.
-- God's enraged by Louis Blond, 286
Versailles takes containing growth
farther than ever imagined.
But when capitalism expands regardless,
Louis turns to violence.
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