Biographical drama film Chevalier tells the story of Joseph Bologne - here's an explanation for how Bologne became a "Chevalier" and its actual meaning. Based on the true story of a remarkable figure from the 18th century, Chevalier begins with a gripping scene in which Joseph Bologne requests Mozart to him during his performance of Concerto No. 5. Owing to Mozart's brilliance and the obscurity surrounding Bologne's name, Mozart and his audience underestimate him. However, when Bologne starts performing in Chevalier, his musical forte not only impresses Mozart but also coerces him to duel the artist.
With this powerful opening, Chevalier recounts the story of Joseph Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), an exceptional French virtuoso violinist, conductor, composer, and fencer. Beginning with his early days at a Parisian boarding school where his father first took notice of his music talent to the time when the Queen threatened to revoke his status as Chevalier, the movie walks through it all. However, considering how Chevalier takes liberties in depicting Joseph Bologne's true story, it is hard not to wonder how he became a Chevalier and what it truly means.
Chevalier Translates To Knight In English
In literal , "Chevalier" translates to "Knight" in English. When traced back to its historical origins from the Middle Ages, "Chevalier," or "Knight," referred to a French nobleman of the lowest rank who was conferred into knighthood by a high-ranking noble or monarch through a formal ceremony. As commonly depicted in pop culture, this ceremony involved the nobleman kneeling on his knee while the monarch conferred him the rank by gently touching his shoulders with a sword. However, as seen in the Joseph Bologne biopic, the term "Chevalier" and its meaning has evolved over the years.
The title can now be bestowed upon individuals who make remarkable contributions in their respective fields. From scientists to actors, many notable figures from across the world have been granted the title. For instance, Clint Eastwood got honored as a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour in 2007 and even David Lynch earned the same title from the French Minister of Culture during the 55th Cannes Film Festival.
How Joseph Bologne Became A Chevalier (Despite Not Being Able To Inherit The Title)
Born in 1745, Joseph Bologne was the son of French nobleman Georges de Bologne de Saint-Georges and a sixteen-year-old Senegalese enslaved woman named Nanon. Despite being born to a nobleman, Joseph Bologne faced several legal restrictions during his childhood because, according to the French law, he was defined as a slave. As per 's Code Noir (aka the Black Code), which included several laws enacted to regulate slavery in the 17th century, Joseph Bologne was not permitted to retain his father's noble social status.
After he worked in his father's plantations during his early years, his father enrolled him into Académie royale polytechnique des armes et de l’équitation at the age of 13. That is where he did exceptionally well at fencing and horseback riding and garnered the attention of many with his unmatched skills in the two art forms. Owing to his equestrian expertise, he was granted the formal title of Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges, even though the law restricted from inheriting it. As depicted in Chevalier, Joseph Bologne later also garnered immense appreciation and received many accolades for his contribution to music.
