Charles V, Prince Philip, and the politics of succession : imperial festivities in Mons and Hainault, 1549

This book is based on an international conference held in the capital of Hainault to celebrate the city of Mons as European Capital of Culture (2015). For the first time, through a range of interdisciplinary studies, the magnificent festivals created to honour Prince Philip of Spain as he journeyed across Europe to receive his sovereignty of the Low Countries are brought to life. The splendour of entries in the cities of Northern Italy (such as Genoa and Milan) was challenged by the civic allegories of triumph displayed throughout the Low Countries in Ghent, Antwerp, and Amsterdam. Outpacing all that magnificence were the entertainments prepared by Mary of Hungary at Binche: triumphal arches, martial feats of arms, balls, masquerades, and castle-stormings entertained Emperor Charles V and his son Prince Philip. The essays in this volume reconstitute the political and social context of these extraordinary celebrations and focus on the purpose and role of festival in the changing political strategies of Charles V. They are illustrated with a total of 36 b&w and 36 colour images. Contributors: Sydney Anglo, Francesca Bortoletti, Stijn Bussels, Tobias Capwell, Jose Eloy Hortal Munoz, Felix Labrador Arroyo, Margaret M. McGowan, R. L. M. Morris, Jessie Park, Yves Pauwels, M. J. Rodriguez-Salgado, Margaret Shewring, Hugo Soly, Lisa Wiersma. The renowned festivals for Prince Philip of Spain, in Italy and at Binche, are brought back to life in their political purpose, and their innovative artistic achievements exposed.00This book is based on an international conference held in the capital of Hainault to celebrate the city of Mons as European Capital of Culture (2015). For the first time, through a range of interdisciplinary studies, the magnificent festivals created to honour Prince Philip of Spain as he journeyed across Europe to receive his sovereignty of the Low Countries are brought to life. The splendour of entries in the cities of Northern Italy (such as Genoa and Milan) was challenged by the civic allegories of triumph displayed throughout the Low Countries in Ghent, Antwerp, and Amsterdam. Outpacing all that magnificence were the entertainments prepared by Mary of Hungary at Binche: triumphal arches, martial feats of arms, balls, masquerades, and castle-stormings entertained Emperor Charles V and his son Prince Philip.00The essays in this volume reconstitute the political and social context of these extraordinary celebrations and focus on the purpose and role of festival in the changing political strategies of Charles V Front Matter Margaret M. McGowan and Margaret Shewring. Introduction: Imperial Festivities in Mons and Hainault, 1549 Margaret M. McGowan. Chapter 1. Prince Philip’s Itinerary across Europe, 1548–1550 Hugo Soly. Chapter 2. 1549: A Year of Grace for Emperor Charles V and His Subjects in the Low Countries M. J. Rodriguez-Salgado. Chapter 3. The Transformation of Philip, Prince of Spain, into the Lord of the Low Countries Félix Labrador Arroyo and José Eloy Hortal Muñoz. Chapter 4. The Entourage of Prince Philip in Connection with the Felicissimo Viaje Francesca Bortoletti. Chapter 5. Concordia principum Yves Pauwels. Chapter 6. Prince Philip’s Entry into Ghent, 1549 Stijn Bussels. Chapter 7. The Importance of Being Present Jessie Park. Chapter 8. The Enchantment of Woven Surfaces Lisa Wiersma. Chapter 9. A Garden of Cast Flowers Sydney Anglo. Chapter 10. The Tournament at Binche Tobias Capwell. Chapter 11. Theatre of War Margaret M. McGowan. Chapter 12. Masquerades at Binche R. L. M. Morris. Epilogue: Munich 1568 – Fashioning Identities in Habsburg-ruled Lands Back Matter "This book is based on an international conference held in the capital of Hainault to celebrate the city of Mons as European Capital of Culture (2015). For the first time, through a range of interdisciplinary studies, the magnificent festivals created to honour Prince Philip of Spain as he journeyed across Europe to receive his sovereignty of the low Countries are brought to life."--Page 4 of cover