La cavalcade des rois guerriers: les effigies équestres des souvenirs de Naples au Quattrocento
The cavalcade of the warrior kings. The equestrian effigies of the kings of Naples in the Quattrocento. Ladislas Anjou Duras, Alphonse V, Ferrante I and Alphonse II of Aragon, were all Napolitan sovereigns who distinguished themselves on the field of battle and were all the subjects of equestrain effigies. Original synthesis of the problematic of equestrain potraiture in Naples in the 15th century, this article highlights the distinctive characteristics shared by these conquering kings who personally went to battle at the head of their armies, through their equestrian effigies, which share in numerous formal, iconographical and stylistic characteristics, in particular a double influence, both chivalrous and imperial, in a unique combination of International Gothic and Antique styles. Nevertheless, the proper understanding of these images,which form veritable tools of political communication, engenders the emphasis, as well, of their differences and their singularity. Such instruments of legitimization and propaganda are also based on the play of repetition and the effects inherent in the serial process, as well as on the system of connections between these monarchs, in addition to the ties to their illustrious predecessors. Thus is highlighted the particualr type of official portrait represented by the equestrian effigy in the context of the Neapolitan city in the Quattrocento, favored notably by a local equestrian tradition, and an important part of the military and artistic politics of the warrior kings.