Early sixteenth-century English ephemeral and ceremonial art

Understanding the political, social, and cultural importance of the celebration of ritual rites of passage is the theoretical basis for this project. Identifying and defining these rites show that they are basic to all human interaction and particularly significant in the lives of rulers. All people celebrate these rituals; however, this study shows that a ruler's personal passages also hold significance for his subjects. The common experience or 'communitas' created by the celebration of each passage mutually binds the ruler and his people.;This project also includes some definition and analysis of the Renaissance ideal of majesty and its need for magnificent display, which were illustrated in the monarchs' performance of their ritual rites of passage. Magnificent display helped rulers to maintain their prestige. Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary Tudor celebrated several rites of passage using magnificent art to impress their subjects and their rivals. The physical display of their wealth and taste is featured here in examples of their celebrations. In Chapter II, the birth and christening of Mary Tudor led to a treaty-signing to formalize her betrothal; in Chapter III, Anne Boleyn's triumph included her coronation and the birth and christening of her daughter, Elizabeth; in Chapter IV, Edward VI's christening and coronation were the most significant ceremonies of his life; and in Chapter V, Mary Tudor's wedding permanently affected her reign. These acts were political; however, their celebrations visually demonstrated their importance to the rulers' subjects, whose lives were inevitably affected by the events. Exhibiting their power and wealth in lavish displays, rulers gained political acceptance of their acts, and the celebration of rituals common to all people created mutual understanding and good will between the ruler and his people.;This project also explores the art related to the celebration of rites of passage by the early Tudor dynasty. Central to this is ephemeral court art: the use of ceremonies, pageants, and festive display, incorporating processions, portraits, interior decoration, dress, and texts in their performance. The project specifically covers ritual-ceremonies utilizing ephemeral art and performances which the Tudors presented to enhance their influence among their people.