Louis XI chairing a chapter 1470

Jean Fouquet created this illumination on vellum, entitled "Louis XI chairing a chapter," sometime in the 15th century in France. The image portrays King Louis XI presiding over a meeting of the Order of Saint Michael, a chivalric order he founded. The composition conveys the cultural values of the French court. Louis sits enthroned, elevated above the other members on a dais, emphasizing his supreme status. The architecture, painted in one-point perspective, imitates classical Roman forms, associating the French monarchy with the prestige of antiquity. Fouquet likely completed this illumination for a wealthy patron, perhaps even Louis himself. The image would have functioned as propaganda, reinforcing the power and legitimacy of the king. To understand this work more fully, we can consider the political history of the French monarchy and the social function of chivalric orders. Researching courtly culture and the patronage system in 15th-century France will deepen our understanding of this artwork’s significance. Ultimately, this image reveals the potent role art played in shaping perceptions of power and authority.