Artistic patronage in late medieval Troyes, 1380-1520

Abstract

This thesis explores the development of artistic patronage in the city of Troyes between 1380 and 1520. It takes into consideration the patrons and artists involved in the creation of manuscript illumination, sculpture, metalwork, panel painting, stained glass, tapestry and textiles. As a localised study it draws source documentation from the Bibliothèque municipale, Archives de l’Aube and museum collections in Troyes. The theme of ‘patronage’ is the basis for examination of visual culture produced locally during the late middle ages. I acknowledge the drive behind patronage involved the notion of enhancement, whether individual or institutional, that required the need for visual display. The role of the artists was an integral part of the performative process that shaped the development of this system and fulfilled the cultural impulse toward the outward expression of devotion, power and prestige. I argue that these works relate to the individual and community they represent as the product of a compound relationship between the process of art production and a movement toward visual display. In light of this it can be concluded that the manufacture of art and impulse to produce and collect it had connections to the cultural, social and economic climate. The dissemination of patronage in the city denotes an increasing degree of organisation in the complexity of artistic practices at local level. This evidence therefore represents a microcosm of greater developments witnessed in late medieval France.