This proposal sheds light on the representation of organs, considered as art objects as well as marvelous devices used in diplomacy. Starting with an event from the second half of the 19th century, this paper will examine different examples of relationship between organ and diplomacy, in the modern age and in antiquity.
This proposal sheds light on the representation of organs, considered as art objects as well as marvelous devices used in diplomacy. Starting with an event from the second half of the 19th century, this paper will examine different examples of relationship between organ and diplomacy, in the modern age and in antiquity. The examples will be analyzed considering their iconographical sources and in connection with their decorations. The strong correlation between instrument and diplomacy appears clear in 1858, when the emperor of China, Xianfeng of the Qing dynasty (reigned 1850–61), sent Eugène-Louis, the dauphin son of Napoleon III, an organ. This instrument had a refined decorated case with the emblem of the French monarchy. This event was not an isolated case. The practice of commissioning and sending valuable artistic gifts to illustrious figures was usual in the history of diplomatic relationships and, in this context, the symbolic image of the organ and its decorations had a significant role. Among numerous examples emerges the case of Queen Elisabeth I, who sent in 1599 an organ to the Ottoman sultan Mehmet III. A few years later the instrument was destroyed by the new sultan Ahmet I, who considered its wonderful decoration blasphemous. Examples of organs representing power are attested in antiquity as well. In fact the diplomatic value of the organ dates back to the third century BC, when Ctesibius, mechanic of the hellenistic sovereign Tolemeo II, invented an instrument that was probably similar to an Alexandrian terracotta dated first century BC. and preserved in the Louvre. In all cases the organ had an important role in diplomatic relationships as an artistic object and visual symbol of a sovereign’s power.
Inanimate Ambassadors: Representation of Organs in the Art of Diplomacy
DESSI', PAOLA
2008
Abstract
This proposal sheds light on the representation of organs, considered as art objects as well as marvelous devices used in diplomacy. Starting with an event from the second half of the 19th century, this paper will examine different examples of relationship between organ and diplomacy, in the modern age and in antiquity. The examples will be analyzed considering their iconographical sources and in connection with their decorations. The strong correlation between instrument and diplomacy appears clear in 1858, when the emperor of China, Xianfeng of the Qing dynasty (reigned 1850–61), sent Eugène-Louis, the dauphin son of Napoleon III, an organ. This instrument had a refined decorated case with the emblem of the French monarchy. This event was not an isolated case. The practice of commissioning and sending valuable artistic gifts to illustrious figures was usual in the history of diplomatic relationships and, in this context, the symbolic image of the organ and its decorations had a significant role. Among numerous examples emerges the case of Queen Elisabeth I, who sent in 1599 an organ to the Ottoman sultan Mehmet III. A few years later the instrument was destroyed by the new sultan Ahmet I, who considered its wonderful decoration blasphemous. Examples of organs representing power are attested in antiquity as well. In fact the diplomatic value of the organ dates back to the third century BC, when Ctesibius, mechanic of the hellenistic sovereign Tolemeo II, invented an instrument that was probably similar to an Alexandrian terracotta dated first century BC. and preserved in the Louvre. In all cases the organ had an important role in diplomatic relationships as an artistic object and visual symbol of a sovereign’s power.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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