Court Masque as a Part of the Political Culture of England in the Reign of the Stuart House

• Main Author: A. V. Sokolova
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kharkiv State Academy of Culture 2020-03-01
• Series: Культура України
• Subjects: придворна маска; династія стюартів; політична культура; центр впливу; авторитет англійського короля
• Online Access: http://ku-khsac.in.ua/article/view/205634

The aim of this paper is to determine the place and role of the court Masque of the Kings of the house of Stuart era in the political life of England in the first half of the 17th century, as well as to identify the level of influence of the court Masque on the values and priorities of the royal court, as well as the effect on strengthening the authority of the monarch. Research methodology. Twelve publications by leading English scholars on this subject were considered, including archival data and historical choirs. The materials of the specific literature were studied using logical, historical, chronological, problem-chronological and historical-retrospective methods. Results. The Court Masque became a model of the Renaissance culture, in which politics, aesthetics, culture, and history closely interacted. Masques were designed to emphasize the harmony, unity, and consolidation of English society. Thanks to the huge influence of the Masques on the political and cultural life of England, the Palace of Whitehall gradually turned into a world center of influence. Masques become a cult example of the Stuart era. The Court Masque becomes an intermediary between the crown and the court, a channel of communication between the monarch and his elites, performing auxiliary functions in maintaining the power of the Stuarts. Masques strengthened the authority of the King of England in the political arena and asserted his right to national leadership. The Masques sublimated the conflict into aesthetic harmony and submission to the will of the monarch, demonstrating the strengths of the royal Stuart house. Novelty. An attempt is made to analyze the works of leading researchers of the Renaissance, in order to identify the influence of the court Masque on the political culture of England. The practical significance. The key results of this research can be used in lecture materials, practical classes and seminars on the history of foreign culture.