CAROLINGIAN ART

Charlemagne aimed to reestablish the cultural splendor of the old Roman Empire. During his reign there was a cultural renaissance an increase of literature, architecture, sculpture….

Inspired in Roman culture.

Carolingian artistic achievements

Architecture Charlemagne’s palace in Aachen (Germany).

Scultpure small sculptures (e.g.: Charlemagne on horseback).

Metalwork

Painting Illuminated manuscript

ARCHITECTURE

Charlemagne’s Palace in Aachen (Germany)

Formed by a group of buildings with residential, political & religious purposes.

Center of power of the Carolingian Empire.

Today most of it has disappeared. Only the Palatine Chapel remains.

Council Hall Thermae

Palatine Chapel

Main door

Hot Springs

Emperor’s private

residenceTreasure

Hall

The Palatine Chapel was the basis for today’s Aachen Cathedral.

The Palatine Chapel was the basis for today’s Aachen Cathedral.

Octagonal planExterior

Interior of thePalatine Chapel

Octagonal dome coveredwith mosaics

Semicircular arches

Charlemagne’s throne

SCULPTURE

Small sculptures

Charlemagne’s sculpture in bronze (24 cm high)

Ivory plaque, probably of a book cover.

METALWORK

PAINTING illuminated manuscripts

ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS hand-written books in which the text was enhanced with different decorations

(miniature illustrations, initials, borders…).

Activities

a) Where was Charlemagne’s Palace located? What is the only part that remains today?

b) What are Illuminated manuscrpits?