Medievalism in Nineteenth-Century Belgium: The 1848 Monument to Godfrey of Bouillon

The study of the monument of Godfrey of Bouillon offers new insights into the political uses of public monuments, modern uses and appropriations of the Middle Ages, and the role of historical culture in the creation of national identity. It was unveiled in 1848 in Brussels, Belgium, and was designed to transmit ideas about history and nationhood. It investigates responses to it both home and abroad and reveals that Belgian politics and culture in this period were profoundly shaped by a sustained interest in the Middle Ages.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

This extensive examination of the Godfrey of Bouillon monument provides valuable insights into the multifaceted political applications of public monuments honoring historical figures,the contemporary utilization and reinterpretations of medieval monuments,and the significant role of historical culture in the formation of national identity. On August 15, 1848, a magnificent bronze equestrian statue of the renowned crusading hero Godfrey of Bouillon was unveiled in the prestigious Place Royale in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. This remarkable monument was conceived and largely funded by the national government, serving as a pivotal component in a comprehensive program of political and cultural consolidation initiated following the Belgian Revolution (1830-1831) and the subsequent establishment of the nation's independence. From its inception, the monument was meticulously designed to convey profound ideas about history and nationhood, functioning as a focal point for discussions encompassing politics, language, religion, and identity.

This book offers a fresh perspective on various dynamics in nineteenth-century Belgium by utilizing the statue as a prism. It delves into the diverse responses to the monument both within and outside the country, while also tracing broader national interest in commemorating Godfrey, who was adopted as a national hero despite his birth occurring nearly 800 years before the emergence of the state.

Above all, this study reveals that Belgian politics and culture during this period were profoundly shaped by a sustained fascination with the Middle Ages, as well as by endeavors to construct a historical narrative that traced the origins of Belgian nationhood back to that era and beyond. The Godfrey of Bouillon monument stands as a testament to the enduring influence of history on contemporary society, highlighting the importance of understanding and appreciating our past in shaping our present and future.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783277636