The Order of the Golden Tree: The Gift-giving Objectives of Duke Philip the Bold of Burgundy: 12 (Burgundica) - Softcover

Chattaway, C. M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 2503522971 ISBN 13: 9782503522975

Publisher: Brepols N.V., 2006

Synopsis

This book explores the policy objectives underlying the gift of this Order, to sixty men, on January 1 1403. Drawing primarily on Philip's household accounts, it undertakes complementary iconographical and prosopographical analyses (of the Order insignia's form, materials, design and motto; and of distinguishing common features among its recipients), refined by reference to his policy concerns around the occasion of its bestowal, to test seven hypotheses. The evidence from the analyses enables six of these (that it was purely decorative; a courtly conceit; crusade-related; a military chivalric order; a livery badge; or a military alliance) progressively to be discarded, pointing strongly to the seventh, that the Order was a specific policy alliance, designed in fashionable form, to obscure its politically sensitive purpose. The nature of that purpose then permits a revision of Philip's role in history, particularly in relation to the creation of an independent Burgundian state, and the use of a co-ordinated propaganda campaign of slogan, badge, and supporting literature, to legitimise and popularise his plans. The analytical approach also offers insights into the significance of decorative, material gift-giving; the identification of networks; Christine de Pisan's earlier political writings, and the origins of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Carol Chattaway is Honorary Research Assistant at the Royal College of Art and University College, London University. She researches on the political significance of material objects at the Burgundian Court, in the later middle ages.

About this title

Synopsis

Philip of Burgundy did not get his appellation of "bold" by accident. He was politically savvy, sophisticated in his methods and focused, traits that backed up his famed boldness and generally led to success. One of his successes was the bestowal of membership in the Order of the Golden Tree to 60 men in 1403, an act that could be taken in several

Edition details

• Publisher: Brepols N.V.
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 2503522971
• ISBN 13: 9782503522975
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 295