➿European Art and Civilization Before 1400 Unit 9 – Carolingian Art & Architecture

Historical Context

• Carolingian period spans from 750-900 CE, marked by the rule of Charlemagne and his successors
• Charlemagne, crowned as Holy Roman Emperor in 800 CE, sought to revive classical learning and arts
• Carolingian Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual revival, flourished under Charlemagne's patronage
  • Encouraged the study of Latin, establishment of scriptoria, and production of illuminated manuscripts
• Political stability and economic prosperity during the Carolingian era facilitated artistic growth
• Carolingian art synthesized classical, early Christian, and Germanic influences
• Monastic centers (Tours, Aachen) became hubs of artistic production and learning
• Carolingian art served as propaganda to legitimize and glorify the Carolingian dynasty

Key Figures and Patrons

• Charlemagne (r. 768-814), the most influential patron of Carolingian art
  • Commissioned numerous works, including the Palatine Chapel at Aachen
• Einhard (c. 775-840), Charlemagne's biographer and advisor, oversaw many artistic projects
• Alcuin of York (c. 735-804), scholar and advisor to Charlemagne, instrumental in the Carolingian Renaissance
  • Established the scriptorium at Tours, which produced many notable illuminated manuscripts
• Ebbo (c. 775-851), Archbishop of Reims, commissioned the Ebbo Gospels, a significant illuminated manuscript
• Charles the Bald (r. 843-877), grandson of Charlemagne, continued patronage of arts
  • Commissioned the Codex Aureus of St. Emmeram, a lavishly decorated gospel book
• Drogo (801-855), son of Charlemagne, commissioned the Drogo Sacramentary, known for its intricate initials

Characteristics of Carolingian Art

• Fusion of classical, early Christian, and Germanic artistic traditions
• Revival of classical forms and motifs (acanthus leaves, columns, arches)
• Emphasis on linearity and stylized, flat forms rather than naturalism
• Hieratic scale, where figures are sized according to their importance
• Use of vibrant colors, particularly in illuminated manuscripts
• Interlace patterns and decorative borders influenced by Insular art
• Figurative art often depicts religious scenes and characters
• Innovations in manuscript production (Caroline minuscule script, new binding techniques)

Major Architectural Developments

• Palatine Chapel at Aachen (792-805), a key example of Carolingian architecture
  • Octagonal central plan, inspired by the Byzantine San Vitale in Ravenna
  • Westwork, a monumental entrance façade, became a characteristic feature of Carolingian churches
• Monasteries as centers of learning and artistic production
  • Standardized layout with a central cloister, church, and scriptorium
• Basilica plan churches, combining classical and early Christian elements
  • Nave, aisles, and apse, with the addition of a transept and westwork
• Use of stone masonry and vaulting techniques
• Incorporation of classical architectural elements (columns, arches, pilasters)
• Exterior ornamentation, such as blind arcades and pilaster strips
• Development of the double-ended church, with apses at both the east and west ends

Illuminated Manuscripts and Book Arts

• Carolingian minuscule, a standardized script developed for clarity and legibility
• Elaborate decorative initials and borders, often featuring interlace patterns and foliage motifs
• Full-page miniatures depicting religious scenes and portraits of evangelists
• Use of gold leaf and vibrant colors, particularly purple parchment in luxury manuscripts
• Notable examples:
  • Godescalc Evangelistary (781-783), one of the earliest Carolingian illuminated manuscripts
  • Lorsch Gospels (c. 810), known for its jeweled cover and elaborate initials
  • Utrecht Psalter (c. 830), featuring expressive pen drawings and innovative layout
  • Codex Aureus of St. Emmeram (c. 870), a lavishly decorated gospel book with gold ink and purple parchment
• Innovations in bookbinding, such as the use of wooden boards and leather covers
• Scriptorium as a specialized workshop for manuscript production within monasteries

Metalwork and Sculpture

• Metalwork objects used in religious ceremonies and as diplomatic gifts
  • Reliquaries, altar frontals, and liturgical vessels
• Influence of classical and Byzantine techniques, such as repoussé and cloisonné enamel
• Use of precious materials (gold, silver, gems) to convey wealth and power
• Notable examples:
  • Lindau Gospels cover (c. 870), featuring gold repoussé and jeweled decoration
  • Ardennes Cross (c. 830), a processional cross with intricate gold filigree and gems
• Revival of large-scale bronze casting, as seen in the Aachen bronze doors (c. 800)
• Stone sculpture primarily used for architectural decoration
  • Figural reliefs, capitals, and carved panels
• Influence of classical sculpture in the treatment of drapery and proportions
• Notable examples:
  • Westwork of Corvey Abbey (873-885), featuring life-size stone statues of saints and rulers
  • Narthex portal of Lorsch Abbey (c. 800), with carved reliefs depicting biblical scenes

Legacy and Influence

• Carolingian art laid the foundation for the development of Romanesque and Gothic art
• Carolingian minuscule script became the basis for modern lowercase letters
• Monastic scriptoria and libraries preserved classical texts and knowledge
• Carolingian architectural innovations (westwork, double-ended churches) continued in later periods
• Revival of classical forms and motifs influenced later medieval and Renaissance art
• Carolingian art served as a model for later imperial patronage and propaganda
• Spread of Carolingian artistic styles and techniques through diplomatic gifts and monastic networks
• Influence on neighboring regions, such as Anglo-Saxon England and Ottonian Germany

Notable Examples and Case Studies

• Palatine Chapel at Aachen (792-805)
  • Octagonal central plan, inspired by the Byzantine San Vitale in Ravenna
  • Westwork, a monumental entrance façade, became a characteristic feature of Carolingian churches
  • Interior decoration, including mosaics and bronze railings, showcases Carolingian artistry
• Lorsch Gospels (c. 810)
  • Illuminated manuscript with elaborate decorative initials and borders
  • Jeweled cover featuring gold repoussé, gems, and enamel work
  • Exemplifies the luxury and craftsmanship of Carolingian book arts
• Utrecht Psalter (c. 830)
  • Illuminated psalter with innovative layout and expressive pen drawings
  • Influenced by classical and Byzantine art in its figural style and composition
  • Served as a model for later Anglo-Saxon and Romanesque manuscript illustration
• Lindau Gospels cover (c. 870)
  • Metalwork book cover featuring gold repoussé, cloisonné enamel, and jeweled decoration
  • Demonstrates the use of precious materials and advanced metalworking techniques
  • Reflects the importance of luxury manuscripts as symbols of wealth and power
• Westwork of Corvey Abbey (873-885)
  • Monumental entrance façade with life-size stone statues of saints and rulers
  • Showcases the revival of large-scale stone sculpture in the Carolingian period
  • Represents the fusion of architectural and sculptural elements in Carolingian art