Throughout 2009, the region of Anjou (Pays de la Loire) celebrates the 600th anniversary of the birth of King René. For the occasion, the public has the opportunity to discover ten sites in the region, through a whole series of events presenting the multiple facets of this unique, contrasting figure.
- Chateau of Angers
3 October 2009 to 3 January 2010
A retrospective will be devoted to King René entitled Splendeur de l’enluminure. Le roi René et les livres [Splendour of Illumination: King René and Books].
On special loan, some of the finest books of paintings by King René, today scattered across the world, will be brought together in his chateau, before the Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Some of these masterpieces are on display for the first time ever in France.
- Saint Martin’s Collegiate Church
21 March to 12 July 2009
The exhibition Le roi René : au-delà d’une légende [King René: Beyond a Legend] is held at the Collégiale Saint-Martin [Saint Martin’s Collegiate Church]. It evokes the striking personality traits of this extraordinary sovereign, around whom the legend of Le bon roi René, or ‘Good King René’, was forged.
The layout of the exhibition is designed to take visitors progressively through the fundamental sites and different forms of artistic expression (painting, stained glass, engraving, sculpture, tapestry, books) that have celebrated the legend of the king over the centuries.
A whole series of events are also being organised for the occasion, including concerts, debates and activities for the general public.
For further information, please visit the websites of the Pays de la Loire region and the Centre des Monuments Nationaux [French heritage department].
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