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Publication

The Material Image-Building of Erard de La Marck, Prince-Bishop of Liège. Strategy, Components and Significance of a Versatile Discourse

Book - Dissertation

The adaptation to the required decorum as well as the creation of a personal image were essential components of the material culture of rulers during the Ancien Régime. To that end, a large set of tools was available that could produce an impressive variety of buildings, monuments, works of art and other objects that served the creation of the required image building. The present research project concentrates on the material culture of Erard de la Marck, starting with the question to what extent both preoccupations were instrumental in its production, and which investments and strategies he chose during his reign from 1505 to 1538. These choices were not obvious. Erard deviated from the tradition profile of a ruler, due to both structural and contextual factors: as an elected Prince-Bishop, he could not adapt the dynastic discourse, and he combined the secular and ecclesiastical power in his reign, although these were not absolute. Moreover, Erard had to restore the nation after a long crisis that had begun with the demolition of the capital in 1468 by Charles the Bold, duke of Burgundy. In correlation with this, he had to defend his political position, not only in his own reign, but also on the international stage. This context demanded the creation of an image that met the decorum needs of Erard's dignity as a ruler, and with his aspirations as a political figure.The analysis of the numerous initiatives Erard de la Marck took during his long rule, in order to rebuild and expand the infrastructure of the country, and to construct his image as well, generates insight into the strategy he followed, including the recycling of iconic elements of the history of the prince-bishopric, in order to reach this goal. The comparison with other cases allows to articulate choices and aims of these actions. This research project also endeavours to clarify to what extend commissions by the Prince-Bishop and his court gave impetus to the local cultural context. The material for his research is abundant. Erard's role as a commissioner of building and decoration campaigns is currently connected with the famous Prince-Bishop's Palace in Liège, but he commissioned the rebuilding and embellishment of many residences in his reign and abroad. He donated works of art to churches and abbeys, collected and commissioned series of tapestries, and promoted the distribution of his personal motifs, such as his coat of arms and his motto, throughout the nation. At his court, a network of artists and humanists prospered, among them his court painter Lambert Lombard, who went to Italy to build up an art collection for Erard. All this material will be confronted with the question if and to what extend there was a consistent discourse that directed the creation of this material culture.
Publication year:2020