Description
Book SynopsisBette Oliver''s book From Royal to National offers a comprehensive and innovative look into the effects of the French Revolution on the nation''s culture and identity. As a direct result of the Revolution of 1789, institutions previously under the crown''s jurisdiction were made into public symbols of nationalism. Through the creation of both the Louvre and the Bibliotheque Nationale, the Revolutionary Government worked to preserve great cultural works and establish Paris as the cultural epicenter of the Western world. Oliver delicately reveals the foresight and challenges these scholars and specialists faced in safeguarding the valuable artworks and literature from various raiding parties, including repeated attempts at vandalism and the Terror of 1793-4. From Royal to National is a rich text that will resonate among students of French culture, as well as those interested in dynamics of art history.
Trade ReviewThroughout the text, Oliver moves fluidly between providing a detailed...historical overview of major political events. * H-France Review, September 2008 *
By juxtaposing the historical trajectories of the Louvre and the Biblothéque nationale, Bette Oliver makes a unique contribution to the study of French culture from 1789 to 1815. In this slim volume she offers a fascinating presentation of the events and individuals responsible for transforming two royal collections in public institutions that have become enduring symbols of France. * Information & Culture *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction. Importance of collections in museums and libraries in the late 18th century and today; purposes and uses; access; symbolic and propaganda value Chapter 2 France in the 1780s, events leading up to the Revolution of 1789; history of access to libraries and museums under the Ancien Regime; patrons, dealers, artists, writers, scholars Chapter 3 1789-1792, the moderate revolution; transformation from royal into national institutions; early efforts at museum management; efforts of Minister of the Interior Roland; influence of David; personnel changes in cultural institutions; confiscation of emigr Chapter 4 1793-1795, the terror and its results; conditions in the Louvre and the B.N.; protecting treasures; opening of Louvre in 1793; restoration efforts; literary and art depots; national festivals propaganda Chapter 5 1795-1815, confiscating riches in foreign lands, convoys to Paris; exhibitions, catalogues; regorganization of library and museum, enlargements under Napoleon; recovering from 26 years of revolution and war Chapter 6 Modern parallels, World War II and Nazi confiscation of art works from France; symbolic value of transporting art works to Germany for Hitler's planned museum; Allied repatriation of art works after World War II Chapter 7 Conclusion. The Louvre and the B.N. today; ongoing changes and enlargement; legacy of the Revolutionary period
