Palaces of Reason: The Royal Residences of Bourbon Naples

Palaces of Reason explores the fascinating history of three royal residences built outside of Naples in the eighteenth century, commissioned by King Charles of Bourbon and Queen Maria Amalia of Saxony. These buildings were designed to help reshape the economic and cultural fortunes of the realm and were seen as active agents in improving the cultural, political, social, and economic health of the kingdom.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2024
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

Palaces of Reason: The Fascinating History of Three Royal Residences

In the eighteenth century, three royal residences were built outside of Naples, known as Capodimonte, Portici, and Caserta. These palaces were commissioned by King Charles of Bourbon and Queen Maria Amalia of Saxony, who reigned over the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. These buildings were far more than mere residences for the monarchs; they were designed to have a profound impact on the economic and cultural fortunes of the realm.

The palaces at Capodimonte, Portici, and Caserta are among the most complex architectural commissions of the eighteenth century. These complexes were not just architectural marvels but also reflections of the political, cultural, and economic contexts in which they were built. Architecturally, these palaces showcased the Baroque style, characterized by its grandeur, symmetry, and attention to detail. The decoration of these complexes was equally impressive, with intricate frescoes, sculptures, and tapestries adorning every inch of the walls and ceilings.

The construction of these palaces was driven by Enlightenment ideas, which saw the palaces as active agents in improving the cultural, political, social, and economic health of the kingdom. Writers and royal ministers viewed the palaces as instruments of change, using them to promote education, science, and the arts. They believed that by investing in these institutions, they could create a more prosperous and enlightened society.

Robin L. Thomas, in his book "Palaces of Reason," argues that these palaces were not mere imitations of Versailles or the swan songs of absolutism. Instead, he presents a nuanced and compelling narrative that places the palaces within their political, cultural, and economic contexts. Thomas challenges the assumption that these palaces were solely designed for royal pleasure or as assertions of the crowns power. Instead, he shows how they were used as active agents in shaping the fortunes of the kingdom.

Through his research, Thomas demonstrates how the palaces at Capodimonte, Portici, and Caserta were used to promote education and science. The Royal Palace of Capodimonte, for instance, housed a prestigious scientific academy, which was instrumental in advancing the fields of astronomy, physics, and medicine. The Royal Palace of Portici also featured a botanical garden, which was used to study and cultivate exotic plants and flowers.

In addition to their scientific and educational purposes, the palaces at Capodimonte, Portici, and Caserta were also used to promote the arts. The Royal Palace of Caserta, in particular, became a hub for the arts, hosting exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances. The palace's vast gardens were also used as a backdrop for these artistic events, creating a beautiful and serene setting for the enjoyment of the royal family and the general public.

The palaces at Capodimonte, Portici, and Caserta also played a significant role in shaping the political and social landscape of the kingdom. The Royal Palace of Caserta, for example, was used as a symbol of the power and prestige of the Bourbon dynasty. The palace's vast gardens and fountains were designed to impress and awe visitors, and the palace's architecture was meant to showcase the wealth and power of the royal family.

In conclusion, the palaces at Capodimonte, Portici, and Caserta are among the most complex architectural commissions of the eighteenth century. These palaces were not just residences for the monarchs but were designed to have a profound impact on the economic and cultural fortunes of the realm. The construction of these palaces was driven by Enlightenment ideas, which saw the palaces as active agents in improving the cultural, political, social, and economic health of the kingdom. Through his research, Robin L. Thomas demonstrates how these palaces were used to promote education, science, and the arts, and how they played a significant role in shaping the political and social landscape of the kingdom. This book will be of interest to historians of art and architectural history, as well as eighteenth-century studies.

Weight: 1043g
Dimension: 254 x 203 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271095219