Architectures of Festival in Early Modern Europe: Fashioning and Re-fashioning Urban and Courtly Space

This fourth volume in the European Festival Studies series, 1450–1700, is a collaborative effort between the Society for European Festivals Research and the PALATIUM project, featuring up-to-date research on temporary and permanent architecture for festivals in sixteenth and seventeenth-century Europe. The essays explore classical sources, political and practical circumstances, and intellectual concerns, offering a unique insight into the intellectual and political life of Early Modern Europe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This fourth volume in the European Festival Studies series, spanning 1450 to 1700, marks a groundbreaking departure from previous editions. It originated from a collaborative conference held in Venice in 2013, jointly organized by the Society for European Festivals Research and the PALATIUM project, supported by the European Science Foundation. The volume harnesses the expertise of a diverse group of academic scholars and museum and gallery curators from across Europe, presenting a captivating and intellectually stimulating account of temporary and permanent architectural structures crafted for festivals during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Spanning Italian, French, Austrian, Scottish, and German locales, these structures were repurposed for festival occasions, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultural heritage and artistic expression.

The essays in this volume adopt a lively and engaging style, drawing upon classical sources while also addressing political and practical considerations, as well as intellectual interests. They explore a range of topics, from reimagining early sixteenth-century Rome to catering to the well-being and political allegiance of Florentines during the Medici era, to delving into the playful aesthetics of performance at Versailles. Moreover, they accommodate players and spectators in seventeenth-century Paris and at royal and ducal events for the Habsburg, French, and English crowns.

What sets this volume apart is its remarkable diversity of topics and the depth of its scholarship. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the intellectual and political life of Early Modern Europe, shedding light on the social, cultural, and artistic developments of this pivotal period. The meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated chapters provide a rich tapestry of insights, making this volume an invaluable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, this fourth volume in the European Festival Studies series is a testament to the power of collaboration and interdisciplinary scholarship. By bringing together experts from various fields, it offers a fresh perspective on the rich history of festivals and their architectural manifestations. The engaging style and comprehensive scholarship make it a must-read for anyone interested in the cultural and historical significance of festivals in Early Modern Europe.

Weight: 740g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032402086