For the greater glory of Portugal: cultural policy and artistic trade in the age of João V

Rotterdam, 26-31 luglio 2015

Panel session organizzata da Pilar Diez del Corral Corredoira nell’ambito del XIV Congresso internazionale di studi sul secolo XVIII

Joao V (1689-1750) propelled Portugal into the arena of international politics and raised the country’s prestige to new and unprecedented levels. His imperial policies affected vast swathes of territory in Africa, Asia and Latin America.  With his huge spending on art, music and luxury items – intended to strengthen his position within European – he can be seen as a second Sun King. It is surprising, therefore, that relatively little interest has been shown in his kingship by non-Portuguese historians.

This panel will be devoted to analyzing Joao’s V artistic policy in Europe after the Treaty of Utrecht. One example of this was his massive print collection, intended to cover all areas of knowledge in a kind of Encyclopédie avant la lettre. The king used diplomatic channels to gather this, putting some of his best ambassadors and diplomats in Rome, Paris, London and The Hague in charge. He was also extremely interested in developing strong ties with the Church in Rome. He supported lavish ambassadorial entrées, made substantial donations to the Pope and became (in absentia) one of the most generous patrons of art in Rome. He commissioned hundreds of masterpieces, namely the magnificent sculptures for his palace in Mafra and the sumptuous chapel of San Rocco in Lisbon, and he and his courtiers became some of the most influential collectors in the new Grand Tour.

Topics might include (but are not restricted to):

– The cultural milieu and artistic trade involving the embassies.

– The print collection and the Mariettes.

– The Boendermaker Atlas.

– The art markets in Rome, Paris and The Hague.

– Collectors and diplomats as trading agents for the king.

Organiser: Dr. Pilar Diez del Corral Corredoira, Art History Institute, New University of Lisbon: pilarddcc_gmail.com; pcorral_fcsh.unl.pt

Flyer: qui