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Date November 2020 Marks available 15 Reference code 20N.3op4.HL.TZ0.14
Level Higher level only Paper Paper 3 (History of Europe) Time zone TZ0
Command term Examine Question number 14 Adapted from N/A

Question

Section 7: Absolutism and Enlightenment (1650–1800)

Examine the importance of monarchical patronage to the arts.

Markscheme

The question requires that candidates examine the interrelationship between artistic development and monarchical patronage. It could be argued that monarchical patronage was very important to the arts as it was the main means of financing artistic endeavor. The arts could be taken to include architecture, sculpture, painting, music, poetry, literature and even porcelain such as Sèvres and tapestries such as Gobelins. Responses could also highlight that monarchs supported the arts in order to enhance their own power. It could also be argued that aristocratic and even bourgeois patrons were as important as monarchical patronage. Examples of monarchs who were great patrons could include Louis XIV in France, where the building of Versailles supported a range of artistic activities (architecture, painting, sculpture); Frederick the Great’s support for music and poetry in Prussia; Augustus II in Saxony (Meissen china) and Goya as court painter in Spain. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Examiners report

The question required that candidates examine the interrelationship between artistic development and monarchical patronage.

Syllabus sections

HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe » 7: Absolutism and Enlightenment (1650–1800) » Monarchy, patronage and the arts; the Baroque movement
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe » 7: Absolutism and Enlightenment (1650–1800)
HL options: first exams 2017 » HL option 4: History of Europe
HL options: first exams 2017

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