Maria of Brabants coronation in the Sainte Chapelle of Paris 1458

Curator: This exquisite miniature painting, "Maria of Brabant's Coronation in the Sainte Chapelle of Paris", was crafted by Jean Fouquet around 1458. It resides today within the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. Editor: My first impression is how carefully staged this image is! It feels both reverent and meticulously documented. Curator: Precisely. Fouquet excelled at weaving together the real and the ideal, especially as the painting is steeped in International Gothic aesthetics with their characteristic details of graceful elegance and courtly life, while being informed by Renaissance portraiture conventions. Here we see the Queen kneeling, being crowned by bishops, surrounded by her court. The very image broadcasts power and legitimacy. Consider that potent display of the fleur-de-lis. Editor: Absolutely, the choice to emphasize certain aspects, such as the queen's elaborate attire and the architectural precision of the Sainte Chapelle, shapes our understanding of not only the event, but how it was intended to be perceived. It projects an image of divine right. How might contemporary power structures re-imagine and portray coronation ceremonies to convey particular political messages? Curator: Excellent question. The perspective employed seems almost staged, presenting the scene like a theatrical tableau. Look how the foreground opens almost like a stage with those carefully decorated initial capital letter, while we peer at Maria taking her position kneeling to swear an oath. How do we understand access to power, oath-swearing, fealty? Editor: Yes, indeed. In addition to the solemn ceremony in the painting, look at the other details--statues or reliefs are in the back while the building is contrasted against an outdoors location. Are those soldiers on parade or awaiting news? Fouquet prompts the viewer to reflect on power and hierarchy on different stages and among diverse peoples. He is capturing the role and the responsibility of imagery. Curator: What an interesting work by Jean Fouquet. I have new appreciation for his choices. Editor: I agree. A close examination reminds us to analyze not just the ‘what’ but the ‘why’ of art’s presence in shaping societal views.