First Project for the Funerary Monument of Cardinal de Fleury 1743

Curator: This is Edme Bouchardon's "First Project for the Funerary Monument of Cardinal de Fleury." Look closely at the red chalk—it’s an evocative medium for this 18th-century study. Editor: The figure kneeling in prayer is powerful, but my eyes are drawn to the figures below, seemingly supporting the globe. What do they signify? Curator: Indeed, the globe symbolizes Fleury's global influence. Bouchardon uses this traditional imagery of power and authority within a clear, carefully considered compositional structure. He also shows the monument's architectural elements. Editor: The angels above the kneeling figure lend a sense of divine approval. I find myself considering how Fleury, as a Cardinal, intertwined religious authority with earthly power. Curator: The social context is key—the monument, had it been realized according to this design, would have physically manifested Cardinal Fleury’s influence and the Bourbon monarchy's power. Editor: Seeing the design process laid bare like this truly does help you understand the monument's intended impact. Curator: Yes, and studying how the piece was made, from the choice of materials to the layout, offers insights into its historical meaning. Editor: Thank you; I’ll certainly look at Bouchardon's other works differently now.