Sunday, 2 November 2014

Visual Culture- Visual Language and Nationhood

This weeks lecture focused on The English Renaissance from 1550-1660 and spoke of it's influences and inspiration leading to its impact on modern day and modern art. It started as a transitional phase at the end of the medieval period began the process of breaking away from the catholic church, leading to Henry Viii been head of the churches. Elizabeth I reign from 1558- 1603 was a major force in European global affairs and creating a new identity from England. The palace and country houses evolved for entertainment and power, with owners spending money on the display of the houses on what tends to be modern at the time. Hardwick Hall (Derbyshire, Robert Smythson) is a great example of an Elizabethan house which was built for Elizabeth Talbot also known as Bess of Hardwick who was one of the most notable women in England at the time.

The display of things were a visual testament to an individuals place in society, showing how much one was valued in society and how much they are worth so you would expect to find plenty of expensive and well crafted objects in rich and well respected peoples homes. This led to everyone trying to out do each other and trying to be more modern than everyone else. This gave birth to the consumer society, with people buying objects and making purchases that they necessary don't need or have a purpose for other than showing off to everyone else also known as conspicuous consumption. This is also connected to emulative spending which is where people are copying other peoples purchases which can be seen in todays society as well.

March 23rd 1603 saw the death of Queen Elizabeth I and ushered in the reign on King James I 1603-1625 leading to the Jacobean era and ending the Elizabethan era. Overall the Elizabethan era can be seen as a novelty with people constantly trying to out do their rivals, making it all about what looks better rather than what is needed.  

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