Print this page From French Royalty to Empire - Art and decorative elegance from Louis XIV's Versailles to Napoleon

French monarchs managed their images as carefully as any self-branded celebrity today. How did Louis XIV use the artisans and artists of the day through his patronage to enhance and dazzle his image as Sun-King? How did he make Versailles the representation of himself to be envied and copied by monarchs all over Europe? Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were the epitome of 18th century frivolity and play with artists creating portraits to reflect their extravagance but also to make political statements. The arts of beautiful clocks and incredible silver with themes of nature and fine porcelain also reflected the developing ideals of the Enlightenment. Lastly, in order to reinforce his acquired position of leader of France and Emperor, Napoleon employed many similar tactics in his use of the arts as had previous French monarchs.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Author: Dr Anne Harbers

Course Code: D401

Supplied Material: Fully illustrated Course Booklet and access to presentation videos

Units & Pricing: 4 units / $48

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Not part of an established discussion group, or wish to study one of our select courses individually at your own pace? Our Individual Study Program has been developed to provide this study mode for some of our popular Discussion Group courses. These courses include a course book and access to fully illustrated video presentations by the tutor, designed so individual students can work through the linked sessional material in their own time (each 30 minute video aligns with a unit in the book). If you would like a printed copy of the course book, please contact us.

Please Note: these courses do not come with discussion questions or tutor contact, and are designed for individual study only.