Philippe de Valois appointed regent 1460

Jean Fouquet created this illumination, "Philippe de Valois appointed regent," likely in the mid-15th century, a period defined by the Hundred Years' War and its profound impacts on French identity and governance. The scene depicts a powerful woman, presumably the queen, ceding authority to Philippe de Valois. It's a moment pregnant with political tension, subtly conveyed through the formal composition and the reserved expressions of the figures. The backdrop, adorned with fleur-de-lis, emphasizes the weight of tradition and the stakes of power. What interests me is how Fouquet navigates the representation of female authority in a patriarchal society. Is this a depiction of strength or submission? How does gender intersect with power in this historical moment? The image exists as a moment of political life, but also invites us to reflect on the complex negotiations of identity, class, and authority.