Question 1
Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages and explain which you think is more convincing as an explanation of the cultural developments in France during the reign of Francis I.
Passage A
Francis I’s court was not only larger than its predecessors; its manners were also more polished. This change is generally ascribed to the growth of Italian influence. As the king of France became a key figure south of the Alps, Italians looked to him for aid and protection. They flocked to his court in waves that reflected the fluctuating political fortunes of their homeland. At the same time, Frenchmen served in Italy as soldiers, administrators and diplomats. They noted that close attention was given to patronage of literature and the arts. In light of this experience they tried to bring greater refinement to the court of France.
The style of building underwent a revolution, as French noblemen, fighting in the Italian Wars, became acquainted with the classical architecture of the Renaissance. Even if they did not immediately understand its rules, they adopted some of its decorative features, which they applied to the facades of their own, structurally Gothic, homes. Pioneers of this movement were King Charles VIII who employed Italian craftsmen at his chateau of Amboise and Francis I, under whom these trends continued. He took Bramante’s loggias* at the Vatican palace in Rome as his model, showing his concern to follow Italian fashion at its best.
* loggias – open galleries
Adapted from: R. J. Knecht, French Renaissance Monarchy, published in 1984.
Passage B
The motives of any patron are likely to be complex, and will include a desire for self-publicity in varying proportions. In the case of the Renaissance monarchs, there was a further political dimension; patronage of the arts and of letters was used as a means of enhancing the image of power of both the individual ruler and the state. Francis I was acutely aware how a skilful artist could project him as a strong king, a handsome warrior and a man of taste. Henry VIII and Charles V were equally adept at using art as propaganda to enhance their prestige, and the three men, all much of an age, competed in self-projection through patronage of arts and letters. In 1538, Francis invited Titian to visit him, stimulated by the arrival of a portrait portraying him as a broad-shouldered, masterful figure.
Two years after Marignano, Francis wanted to show the world that he was not only a great soldier, but also a man of learning and taste, so in 1517 he announced that he wished to establish a college for the study of classical languages. During his reign, the Italian Renaissance made a wide impact on France, and her prestige increased in the eyes of western Europe. Francis did not reach Henry VIII’s level of musical expertise, but he took an interest in attracting singers and players of high quality to perform at court. In all other respects, he was able to outshine the ruler he regarded as a rival in this sphere as well as in war.
Adapted from: Catherine Mulgan, The Renaissance Monarchies: 1469–1558, published in 1998.
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