Palaces Fit for a King

Details

When:
October 22, 29, Nov 5, Dec 3 and Dec 17

Where: The Hampton Inn

Cost: $165.00 for 6 session(s)

Type: In Person

Category:

• Art History
• Humanities Courses

Instructor: Kevin Justus wears dual career hats, being a musician and an art historian.
Kevin Justus

The Palaces of the French Monarchy and the Power of Place

When examining why Francois I brought the Italians to decorate Fontainebleau, or Catherine de Medici constructed the Tuileries Palace at the Louvre, or the whole history of Versailles under the Bourbons, it becomes clear that the French monarchy always carefully orchestrated the symbolism of its palaces and chateaux. Just mentioning their names evokes images of beauty, luxury and great artistic achievement, but also, power, ceremony and intrigue. Even without a monarchy these palaces still exert a powerful influence on our imagination, understanding, and cultural memory. This series of lectures examines three of the most famous royal residences from their construction to their use in present times. Artistic and architectural achievement, politics, economics and social developments will be interwoven with the interesting lives of those who lived in these luxurious royal abodes ranging from the Valois Kings to Napoleon III in the 19th Century.