Deborah Conway Read

Overview and Issue

• Article on the use of the color black and its association with wealth and authority.
• WG141

Abstract

• Article discusses symbolism of the color black to convey authority, wealth and power. Historically, the color black was an expensive, arduous and time consuming process which also made the cloth less durable. The choice to wear black by Nicholas (as well as for his household) beginning in UH is a flamboyant signal of his vast wealth and status as he becomes more confident, assertive and defiant.

Author

• Deborah Conway Read

References

• UH 1.3, UH 1.19, UH 1.8, UH 1.20, UH 2.24, UH 1.5, UH 1.17

People

• Charles the Bold
• Anselm Adorne
• Margriet Adorney

Fictional Characters

• Nicholas
• John le Grant

Illustrations

• Portrait of a Young Man by Bronzino (Agnolo di Cosimo di Mariano), 1530s. Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art, H.O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H.O. Havemeyer.
• Detail from Triptych of Willem Moreel by Hans Memling, 15th century. Image c Lukas - Art in Flanders VZW, photo Hugo Maertens

Historical Events

• (none)

Other References

• Men in Black by John Harvey

Quotes from Dunnett

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