5.2.4. THE TRADITIONAL FAITH PUT BRAKES ON GAIN

"MONEY, THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL..." 

Catholicism is wary of the rich. At the very least, they must help the poor: "What you do for the least of my people..."

Gone from the web

Alms, an obligation of queens.

                             Distribution of alms, Flanders, end 15th century / zoom

        A Bishop distributes bread to the poor by Willem van Herp, Flanders, mid-17th century / zoom

          The Fight between Carnaval and Lent (detail) by Pieter Bruegel the Younger, 1559 / zoom

Other ways in which the Church limited gain:  

• Belief in Purgatoire led to financing masses for the dead and leaving one's wealth to the Church.   

The Virgin of the Carmel saves souls in Purgatory, 17th century / zoom

•  Forbidding lending at interest gave kings control of major projects. Columbus and Magellan turn to Spain's Ferdinand and Isabella to finance their expeditions and give them the treasure they bring back. 

  

Columbus at the Court of Barcelona, 1893 / zoom

• Building and decorating churches disperses huge sums. The superb sanctuaries at the crossroad at Troyes are examples.

Adapted from a Pinterest map / zoom

All photos except the last are from TripAdvisor : a series is shown here and here.
  

The change in style is explained here.

Claude Abron

Contesting the Church 

contested barriers to the search for gain. 

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Next,

5.2.5.

The new faith shattered them