Dream of Absolutism: Louis XIV and the Logic of Modernity

Absolutism was a political system where a single ruler had complete control over the government and society. The ostentatious display surrounding Louis XIV at Versailles was a way to showcase his power and wealth. Approaching absolutism as propaganda can miss the deeper emotional and cultural aspects of this period. Hall Bjornstad's book explores the dream of absolutism through a close analysis of artifacts, concluding that it is a force that shapes our collective political imaginary today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Absolutism was a political system in which a single ruler, known as an absolute monarch, had complete control over the government and society. This system emerged in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries and was characterized by the belief that the king was divinely appointed by God and had the right to rule with absolute authority.

The function of the ostentatious display surrounding Louis XIV at Versailles was to reinforce the idea of absolutism and the king's power. The palace was designed to showcase the king's wealth, power, and grandeur, and the lavish ceremonies and events held there were meant to impress and awe the people of France and other countries.

One of the main gains of approaching absolutism as propaganda is that it allows us to understand the ways in which political leaders and their supporters used visual and symbolic language to promote their ideas and ideologies. By studying the art, architecture, and literature of the time, we can gain a deeper understanding of the political and social context in which these expressions of absolutism took place.

However, there are also some risks associated with this approach. One of the main concerns is that it can lead to a reification of the past, in which absolutism is seen as a timeless and universal phenomenon. This can obscure the fact that absolutism was a specific historical phenomenon that emerged in a particular context and was shaped by a range of social, economic, and cultural factors.

Another risk is that it can lead to a moralizing interpretation of the past, in which absolutism is seen as inherently evil or oppressive. This can be problematic, as it can obscure the fact that there were many different forms of absolutism and that different rulers used different strategies to maintain their power.

In conclusion, absolutism was a political system in which a single ruler had complete control over the government and society. The ostentatious display surrounding Louis XIV at Versailles was a key component of this system, and it was designed to reinforce the idea of absolutism and the king's power. By approaching absolutism as propaganda, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which political leaders and their supporters used visual and symbolic language to promote their ideas and ideologies. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with this approach and to approach the past with a critical and nuanced eye.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226803838