Celebrations At Court

Beskrivelse

Discover the dazzling world of 16th and 17th-century European court festivals, where grand celebrations were more than just entertainment-they were powerful displays of culture and authority.

An in-depth look at the elaborate festivities that showcased power, tradition, and artistry at European courts.

This book offers a vivid exploration of the extravagant courtly festivals that marked the 16th and 17th centuries across Europe. These events were carefully crafted spectacles designed to highlight cultural refinement, military strength, and technical skill.

Through dramatic displays blending wonder, feasting, and even horror, these celebrations served as performative expressions of power. By honoring local customs, they reinforced a sense of community and identity.

Targeted at rival monarchs and the wider society, these festivals acted as strategic showcases of dynastic legitimacy and national wealth-demonstrating economic prosperity, intellectual achievements, and artisanal craftsmanship.

Spanning thirteen richly illustrated chapters, the book traces major historical celebrations and their political contexts. It draws on a wide variety of sources, including pyrotechnic manuals and cookbooks, to highlight the material culture and technological innovations behind these grand events.

Celebrations at Court places local European traditions within a wider, cross-cultural framework, offering fresh perspectives on the intellectual history and mindsets of the era.

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