Daughters of the King (Completed)

French Music and Art

Above is a YouTube video including a sample of some traditional Baroque music, music composed from approximately 1600-1750. French music from the Baroque period was influenced by German, Italian, and English Baroque music. 

Under Louis XIV and his rule, music and art were very much intertwined with political power and matters of state. King Louis XIV used music and art to reflect his own importance, and to establish France as a superior country. Much of the French baroque music from the time of Louis XIV is meant to depict him as a god-like figure, stressing his divine right, and thus when other officials came to visit the French court, he would display this music in a way that would make him, and France, the envy of other countries. In other words, Louis, who prided himself on control, used art to maintain order of his kingdom. King Louis XIV would dance along to Baroque music, performing ballet and proving to be an accomplished dancer, inciting envy from his political rivals.

Baroque music is known as being influenced by both the Classical and Renaissance eras of music, and music from this era is often described as being cold. In other words, musicians are more interested with their skill and accomplishing difficult melodies as opposed to expressing their own feelings and emotions. 

The lead instrument is emphasized greatly as you might notice when listening, and some of the major instruments used included organ and harpsichord. 

Below are some examples of art from the Baroque period. Again, many of these pieces depict religious scenes, the King, or other pastoral scenes.

Pictured above: a portrait of King Louis XIV. Here, he appears odd to the modern reader, but in 17th century France, the idea was to look as wealthy and powerful as possible. Thus, the pomp and extravagant clothing were meant to equate capability. Louis XIV definitely brought the ideals of giving off the appearance of extreme wealth and luxury to the French throne, leading many historians to guess that his ancestors suffered the consequences in the French Revolution and Reign of Terror.

Pictured above: King Louis XIV and his family, painted by Nicolas de Largillière in 1711.

Pictured above:  The repentant Mary Magdalene by French painter Philippe de Champaigne, who was alive from 1602-1674. This particular piece was done in 1648, and depicts one of Christianity's saints: Mary Magdalene, as she looks up to heaven. Mary Magdalene was a prostitute and looked down on by many of the people in her time, but when she met Jesus of Nazareth, she became a devoted follower of His teachings. She was also witness to His many miracles, crucifixion by the Romans, and resurrection. The above art was painted for a Parisian convent, and the crisp lines and cool colours reflect the piety and sobriety of the scene.

Pictured above: an enchanted castle is painted. This was done by Claude Lorrain in 1664, the exact year that les filles du roi would have already arrived in New France. The artwork is called Landscape with Psyche Outside the Palace of Cupid, referring to the famous Greek myth/love story of Psyche and Cupid, who is also known as Eros in Greek. Psyche was a beautiful maiden and daughter of a King (no pun intended). When her beauty become competition for Aphrodite (Venus) herself, Aphrodite, out of jealousy, told her son, Eros, that he should make the stunningly beautiful maiden marry the vilest creature alive. Unfortunately, the plan failed when Eros fell in love with Psyche at first sight. This beautiful love story continues, but if you want to read the rest of it, follow the link here: https://www.greeka.com/greece-myths/eros-psyche.htm

Pictured above: another piece done by Claude Lorrain, but this one was completed in 1639. It is called The Roman Campagna and illustrates the Roman countryside. 

Pictured above: Landscape with an Old Woman by one of the famous Le Nain brothers. It was painted in 1640 and likely shows the French countryside, setting a comforting and pastoral scene.