ART SHOWS AN ACTIVE KINGSHIP

DOMINATING EXPANDING ECONOMIES STRENGTHENS KINGS 

From the turn of the 15th century they are shown as active and they spend infinitely more; the change coincides with the use of mythology.

Their images become dynamic instead of static:

•  Kings no longer sit or stand but are on horseback. 

 François I on horseback by Jean Clouet, no date / zoom

The king is on horseback but mount and rider are stationary: The work is transitional.

François I charges the Swiss mercenaries at the battle of Marignan, attributed to Noel Bellemare, 1539-1530 / zoom

Notice the elaborate dress. As so often, the king rides a white horse.

• Immobile deities become expressive figures surrounded by multitudes who rush toward the light:

God the Father Blessing between Two Angles by Gérard David, Flanders, 1506 / zoom

 For more, please click back.

• By the end of the century God is not portrayed because he is light, but all the human or heavenly figures are active:

Glorification of Saint Ignatius, trompe l'oeil in church of Sant'Ignazio, Rome, 1691-1694 / Video

By Andrea Pozzo, 1691-94 / Video

Saint Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit order, is received in Heaven.

Avenging angel

Jesus 

The spectacular architecture and painting

reinforce secular power 

while spending surplus wealth.  

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Next,
Detour: The French monarchy's lasting éclat