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An art that glorifies violence ...

with built-in restraints

    Feudal societies were based on violence, to prevent newcomers from acquiring the economic power with which to challenge the elite – please CLICK. As well, ceremonial campaigns shored up the nobility, while built-in brakes kept devastation within bounds. As the museum's works show...

     

     

    If you have come to this page via Tourism that illuminates, this deciphering is an aspect of the visit to the Renaissance Museum.
      • At the museum, we will see marvelous works... to decipher
      Military procession (Museum tapestry, detail)

       

      One example – these magnificent steeds. They were perfect for displaying power and showing off. As well, being mounted set nobles apart commoners, and horsemen could easily dominate unorganized people on foot.   

       

      But why do chronicles state that when knights were determined on victory, they might dismount and fight on foot?

       

      The works of art reveal how glamroizing war could limit its destructiveness.  

           

           

          • Another message – being a warrior was at the heart of nobles' identity

           

           

          This boy is growing into his status as fighter and hero.

           

          Antiquity and mythology evoked aristocracy – please CLICK. As Victor Hugo had a character say, "The great acts of war... are those of knights and not of wig-makers."

          Troops are portrayed in Roman garb.

           

          Was there a practical reason for glamorizing nobles' wars?

          Please CLICK.

           

           

           

          Credits:  museum photos / Claude Abron ; boy's portrait / anonymous, Amiens Museum (We bring a copy.)

           

           

          Unexpected Paris guided tours