The Audience Hall by brewgirlca
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Description
When Clement VI took the papacy in 1342 he completely changed its direction in many ways. Unlike his rather austre predecessor Clement came from a wealthy background and saw no reason to change his lifestyle just because he was Pope. In fact he relished in the decadence of it.
Upon his passing a contemporary noted: 'he was a fine gentlemen, a prince munificent to profusion, a patron of the arts, but no saint." The unabashed Clement VI said of himself, "I have lived as sinner among sinners."
As a first order of business he set about building what is now called the Palace Neuf - the New Palace. And this was probably the finest work that came from that, this is the Audience Chamber. No photo can do it justice, it is utterly huge, and it catches a beautiful warm lighting that radiates a stellar glow throughout the chamber. In Clement's time the walls were covered with paintings, frescos and tapestries. Magnificent feasts and banquets were held here and Clement was no stranger to inviting courtly ladies to attend his bashes. Commenting on his lifestyle Clement wryly said: "My predecessors did not know how to be pope"
Sadly all of that was lost when the palace was stormed by the mobs during the French Revolution. No paintings or tapestries from that era now exist. It speaks to the magnificence of the Hall that it still retains its sense of dignified power despite all its losses.
Though known for his unbridled decadence, Clement VI also had a strong sense of humanity. He was in power when the Black Plague struck Europe. Pogams were held blaming the Jews for the plague but Clement strongly opposed such persecution and issued two Papal Bulls condeming the violence. He spent a good deal of the Papal fortune protecting the Jewish community. He was indeed a man of contradictions.
Comments (22)
That's some really interesting information. It seems being Pope to Clement VI was the same as being a King. But I imagine he thought of his kingdom as much bigger and grander than one country or province. My first thought on this pic was "that looks like it must be a big chamber." Using the people in the pic for scaling is a good idea. Sadly, the lack of paintings and tapestries leave it feeling rather cold and empty. Great pic and history lesson.
What an amazing looking structure this one is, Roxie. Love the pov you went with here.
This is indeed quite an impressive chamber and I can imagine it decked out in decadent style with tables full of food and wine, like some old painting. Cool image and info on Clement...'the man who knew how to be a pope' ;)
super info as always Roxy, and tops in photo work.
Beautiful and thanks for the 'insight' on Clement V1. Love the ceiling in this room.. but I bet it echoed with all those huge empty walls. Great pic.. thanks for sharing.
Impressive chamber, I ignore the use of that screens, but I think they should be better in a room for projections. I think they take away the charm of the place
i feel very small.
I like the way you take a picture and tell it's story. Lucky to have such a subject.
Love classic architecture ...
Your photo is quite grand but I seriously question curators who bring in lecture machines of all descriptions in their feeble attempt to teach people about the place. The entire ambience of the place is ruined by this sort of thing. Those afflicted by some need-to-know can find everything they want on the net.
I've been at this place, in this hall more than once and I love it like you apparently do! And of course I love your capture of it!
WOW... Marvelous architecture and fantastic shot !
Amazing
Very interesting and beautiful
superb, i love that roof, design to die for
excellent
Interesting history and a very impressive space!
This must be an overwhelming environment, even to this day. It's a shame that all the art was destroyed - it must have been utterly magnificent in its heyday. A striking shot, and great information as always, Roxy!
very lovely light and perspective
Stunning architecture! Majestically!!
Very interesting person(Pope!) great architecture!Magnificent photo again!Also thank you for the historical info Roxy:-)
This is a great capture Roxie. You've led the eye into the arch from along the right hand side, across the ceiling with the repetitive arches, and then down the left hand side where the young lady is looking back up along the path we just took. Excellent timing. This created quite a dynamic composition.