The art and architecture of France: Royalty to Revolution

Aims

This course aims to:

• give a broad overview of French social history from the late 15th century until the 19th century 
   
• introduce five key rulers from the period and examine their patronage
   
• consider key artists and architects and their contribution to the French style

Content

This course introduces the history of France through the artistic and architectural patronage of five of its key rulers. Commencing with the rise of the Valois kings under Louis XII we will examine how royal patronage shaped the identity of monarchs and underlined their dynastic ambitions examining the palaces and chateaux they constructed and the fine art they commissioned to decorate their residences. We will examine how French art continued to be influenced by the art of Italy throughout this period and we will consider the importance of visiting artists including Leonardo da Vinci and Gianlorenzo Bernini. The Valois line gave way to the Bourbon kings and in the age of the Sun King Louis XIV we will consider the artistic life of the court with the transformation of the old hunting lodge of Versailles into a magnificent palace intended to become the home of the French Court and the seat of government. Excessive patronage and profligate spending undoubtedly contributed to the fall of the French Monarchs as their existence became increasingly divorced from the reality of life for their poorest subjects. Revolution and regicide led to the establishment of a new order under Napoleon Bonaparte, but he too understood the power of artistic propaganda in shaping a public identity. We will end the week by examining the art of this new Republic as Napoleon sought to demonstrate his supremacy and glorify his rule.

Presentation of the course 

Teaching will take the form of interactive lectures illustrated with slides. There will be a strong element of discussion in each session.

Course sessions

1. Louis XII (1498-1515) – propaganda and publicity for the new Valois line.
    
2. Francis I (1515-1547) – emblems and extravagance in the French Renaissance.
    
3. Louis XIV (1643-1715) – dancing, drama and self-promotion in the court of the Sun King.
    
4. Louis XVI (1774-1792) and the fall of the Monarchy – the political optics of patronage 
   in a troubled society.
    
5. Napoleon Bonaparte (1799-1814) – a new visual language of supremacy.

Learning outcomes

You are expected to gain from this series of classroom sessions a greater understanding of the subject and of the core issues and arguments central to the course. 

The learning outcomes for this course are:

• to be able to discuss the development of art and architecture in France in the given period 
   
• an understanding of French history from the reign of Louis XII until the age of Napoleon
   
• the ability to name some of the key artists, architects, and patrons of the Renaissance and Baroque in France 

Required reading

There are no compulsory readings for this course. However, please try to visit the two websites below in order to gain a basic understanding of the time period we will study. 

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/08/euwf.html

https://vmfa.museum/learn/resources/napoleons-rise-fall-illustrated-timeline/ 

Typical week: Monday to Friday 

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students.   

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to your learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events. 

Evaluation and Academic Credit  

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.  

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay. 

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit. 

Certificate of attendance 

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.