Museology and Monument Protection in the Discourse of French National Identity

The discourse of French national identity is deeply intertwined with the historical practice of collecting and preserving ancient antiquities, particularly during the Renaissance. This study reveals that while such collections initially served as decorative elements in royal palaces like Fontainebleau, Saint-Cloud, and Versailles, they also symbolized social status and cultural sophistication. The transition from mere decoration to systematic preservation began with legislative measures during the French Revolution, notably the 1790 decree by the National Constituent Assembly, which prohibited the destruction of immovable and movable works of art in former royal estates. This legal framework marked a pivotal shift towards the protection of cultural heritage, reflecting broader societal values and the evolving role of monuments in shaping national identity.

Prysiazhniuk, O. (2019). MUSEOLOGY AND MONUMENT PROTECTION IN THE DISCOURSE OF FRENCH NATIONAL IDENTITY. The Role of History and Archaeology in the Aspects of the Development of the Modern World, 68–90. https://doi.org/10.36059/978-966-397-169-8/68-90