The readings below, excerpted from the books above, each discuss aspects of the social and political functioning of the palace of Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV, as read in the design of its interior and exterior spaces. As a group they reveal precisely how the design of buildings and spaces were corraled by the king of France to communicate a desired personal and political image.
Take a look at all 4, and decide which 2 you would like to read carefully and respond to.
Prompt: How do these two readings illustrate in a vivid and specific way the capacity of the creative art of architecture either to express or construct political Power or to convey and consolidate personal Identities?
(if you are taking the course to fulfill an ICC theme please focus on your theme, if not, choose whichever you prefer)
R14: Simon Shama, Landscape and Memory (1995), "Power Lines," 336-43. (on the layout and sculptural program of Louis XIV's gardens at Versailles)
R15: Berger & Hedin, Diplomatic Tours in the Gardens of Versailles (2008), excerpts (archival records of foreign diplomats' visits to Versailles reveal how Louis XIV made political use of the gardens)
R16: Elias, "Etiquette & Ceremony," Court Society, 80-90 (socio-political function of ceremonial rituals like the king's levée at the court of Louis XIV)
R17: Spawforth, Versailles, "Behind Closed Doors," 168-72 (blurred line between private and public life at Versailles, as seen in the uses of interior rooms)
Specifications: approximately 300-350 words. Cite specific passages by page number in your response.