14th December, 2024
Dr Angela Ryan, Department of French, UCC
‘Great Women Patrons of the Arts: Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, la Marquise de Pompadour and George Sand’
Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici by Jan Frans van Douven Source: Wikipedia
Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, Electress Palatine and Duchess of Cleve (1667-1743), la Marquise de Pompadour (1721-1764) and George Sand (1804-1876) were important patrons of art and artists during their life, and left behind rich contributions to European art heritage. Vital as their role as supporter of artists and art was, they are still relatively under-recognised: as for many women of genius, report has sometimes attempted to trivialise their achievements. We owe a significant debt to their talent, taste and generosity. UNESCO says that half of the world’s art heritage is in Italy, and that half of that is in Florence: this cultural capital is the legacy of Anna Maria de’ Medici. Madame de Pompadour had an exceptional education for her time, and was a talented musician, who greatly influenced the artistic and decorative enrichment of Versailles during her twenty years there. Gorge Sand, a visual artist herself as well as a famous writer, acclaimed by critics and public alike, also gave great support to artists, and was instrumental in saving for us the exceptional 12th century frescoes of the church of Vic.
Dr Angela Ryan BA (UCD) MèsL et DèsL (Bordeaux) DèsL (Sorbonne) Agrégée de l’Université MA Applied Psychology – Psychological Coaching (UCC). www.drangelaryan.com
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