Friday, September 22, 2023

KINGS' IMAGE CHANGES AS THE ECONOMY GROWS


EUROPEAN PAINTINGS SHOW KINGS FIGHTING ON HORSEBACK

The first two works are transitional:


  • In 15th century Italy, where economies are more advanced that in the north. But notice the hat again (and the white horse).  

The Battle of San Romano by Paolo Uccello, toward 1430 / zoom


  • In early 16th-century Flanders, this king is not dressed for combat. Vassals surround him so he cannot fight, as in parts of the African savannah. Yet he's on horseback. 

In France at about the same time, a sign of real change: Francis I fighting vigorously on horseback.


The Battle of Marignan, 1515 (work undated) / zoom


The illustrations signal stronger power
 to contain the expanding economy.

*     *     * 

Next,
Commercial peoples' subordination






No comments:

Post a Comment