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DISPLAYS OF MEDICI WEALTH AND AUTHORITY: THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES AND VALOIS FETES TAPESTRY CYCLES

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Date Issued:
2019
Abstract/Description:
The objective of my research is to explore Medici extravagance, power, and wealth through the multifaceted artistic form of tapestries vis-a-vis two particular tapestry cycles; the Acts of the Apostles and the Valois Fetes. The cycles were commissioned by Pope Leo X (1475-1521), the first Medici pope, and Catherine de' Medici (1519-1589), queen, queen regent, and queen mother of France. The motivation for such a project lies in analyzing what is traditionally considered as two independent tapestry cycles by revealing their social, religious, political, and artistic significance through the powerful dynastic influence of the Medici. As Leo and Catherine were both aware of the contemporary social environment, their commission of the Acts of the Apostles and the Valois Fetes exemplify the Medici streak for ambition, familial dependence, and triumphalism. As Leo X (r. 1513-1521) governed from Rome, Catherine de' Medici (r. 1547-1559) presided over the French throne for nearly fifty years in some capacity. Both Medici enjoyed access to the wealth associated with the Papal Curia and Valois royal household accounts, respectively, investing an enormous sum on the tapestry cycles, only one of the numerous artistic commissions procured during the sixteenth century. Heedless of their iconography and embellishment, the Acts of the Apostles and Valois F�testestify to the wealth and power wielded through their patron's accessibility and resourcefulness to procure an estimable and luxurious commission.
Title: DISPLAYS OF MEDICI WEALTH AND AUTHORITY: THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES AND VALOIS FETES TAPESTRY CYCLES.
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Name(s): Clyburn, Madison L, Author
Zaho, Margaret Ann, Committee Chair
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2019
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: The objective of my research is to explore Medici extravagance, power, and wealth through the multifaceted artistic form of tapestries vis-a-vis two particular tapestry cycles; the Acts of the Apostles and the Valois Fetes. The cycles were commissioned by Pope Leo X (1475-1521), the first Medici pope, and Catherine de' Medici (1519-1589), queen, queen regent, and queen mother of France. The motivation for such a project lies in analyzing what is traditionally considered as two independent tapestry cycles by revealing their social, religious, political, and artistic significance through the powerful dynastic influence of the Medici. As Leo and Catherine were both aware of the contemporary social environment, their commission of the Acts of the Apostles and the Valois Fetes exemplify the Medici streak for ambition, familial dependence, and triumphalism. As Leo X (r. 1513-1521) governed from Rome, Catherine de' Medici (r. 1547-1559) presided over the French throne for nearly fifty years in some capacity. Both Medici enjoyed access to the wealth associated with the Papal Curia and Valois royal household accounts, respectively, investing an enormous sum on the tapestry cycles, only one of the numerous artistic commissions procured during the sixteenth century. Heedless of their iconography and embellishment, the Acts of the Apostles and Valois F�testestify to the wealth and power wielded through their patron's accessibility and resourcefulness to procure an estimable and luxurious commission.
Identifier: CFH2000523 (IID), ucf:45696 (fedora)
Note(s): 2019-05-01
B.A.
College of Arts and Humanities, School of Visual Art and Design
Bachelors
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Tapestry
Medici
Renaissance
Italy
France
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000523
Restrictions on Access: public
Host Institution: UCF

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