Fleurs d’orange et encens pour la gloire du roi dans les fêtes françaises de 1622

Orange Flowers and Incense to the Glory of the King in the French Festivals of 1622
The communication explores the way in which the festival apparatus establishes a sacred dimension in the ordinary space and time of the city. We consider the immaterial devices of the spectacular apparatus: light, sound, with special attention to the smell, its iconic power and liturgical significance.
The study is conducted on the iconographic and textual descriptions of two kind of celebrations which took place during the summer and autumn of 1622 in France: Louis’s triumphal entries following his victories against the Protestant rebels, and the solemnities for canonization of Jesuits Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier, miles of catholic faith between Europe and Asia. In this historical perspective where sacred/secular points converge, these festivals contribute to shape the imago gloriae on the urban space through the ephemeral language of festival and its indelible poli-sensory effect on audience’s memory.