Royal palaces, patrons and art treasures

The history of patronage is a long and fascinating one, responsible for some of the most exquisite paintings, artefacts and decadent building projects. Discover some of the key patrons from the Renaissance through to the middle of the seventeenth century and learn how they set about building up their collections and/or affirming their power.

We will be looking at Isabella d'Este (1474–1539), one of few women to create a studiolo; Philip II of Spain (r. 1556–98), his paintings collection, jewels, musical instruments, medals, and tapestries and the building and decoration of the Royal monastery El Escorial; Marie de Medici, Queen and Regent of France (1600–1610, 1610–1617) who commissioned Rubens' famous series of scenes of her life for the Palais du Luxembourg; Philip IV of Spain (r. 1621–1665) and his unique relationship with his court painter Velázquez; and Charles I of England (r. 1625–1649) who amassed one of the finest royal art collections in Europe.