Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Philip the Bold and John the Fearless were the first two Valois dukes of Burgundy, whose extreme wealth allowed them to flaunt their ability to adorn palaces and ecclesiastical buildings and commission great works of art. They were the trendsetters of their day and produced a Burgundian court style that was emulated across Europe. This book, and the exhibition it accompanied held in Dijon (May to September 2004) and Cleveland (October 2004 to January 2005), celebrates all aspects of the patronage of the Burgundian dukes. Illustrated throughout with photographs of artefacts, paintings, tapestries, sculpture, architectural elements and buildings, the first part of the book looks at the dukes themselves and their love of art, the relationship between ruler, religion, politics and art, as well as their great treasures and residences. The second part focuses on the Carthusian monastery known as the Chartreuse de Champnol built in the late 14th century, its origins, construction, its interior and exterior, and its influence. The third part turns to the conditions of artistic creation in Burgundy between 1360 and 1420, with contributors drawings on examples of painting, statuary and metalwork.
Synopsis
Art from the Court of Burgundy commemorates the sixth centenary of the death of Philip the Bold (1342-1404) of the house of Valois, the first Duke of Burgundy and brother of the King of France. The extraordinary artistic flowering of this period, stimulated by interaction among the princely courts of France and the Low Countries, found strikingly individual expression at the court of Burgundy. The pomp and ceremony required by the dukes produced a brilliant patronage in whose service painters, sculptors, and goldsmiths could exercise their talents to the full.
Remarkable architectural projects were also undertaken. The Carthusian monastery known as the Chartreuse de Champmol was one of the most important artistic worksites of this age, the crucible in which was formed works of surpassing quality: the sculptures of Claus Sluter and the paintings of Jean de Beaumetz, Melchoir Broederlam, and Jean Malouel.
Fifty-three scholars have contributed to the volume, which accompanies exhibits at the Musee des Beaux-Arts, Dijon, and the Cleveland Museum of Arts.