Romanesque Capitals

The church of the former Priory Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Benoît is now the parish church of the village. When I visited Perrecy-les-Forges in April 2011 I had the impression, that the church and the museum were locked since years. Charles Martel, grandfather of Charlemagne and leader of the frankish armee in the Battle of Tours (732), gave the Perrecey estate to his brother Childebrand as a gift to thank him for defeating the Sarascens in the valleys of the Rhone and the Saône in 732. Childebrands heirs bequeated it to the abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire. First monks settled here 880/885. Some parts of the westwork may date back to the 9th century. 1020/1030 a romanesque basilica was constructed here. 1120/1130 the large narthex was added, which is - a unique masterpiece. This capital - for me - is the most interesting in Perrecy-les-Forges. Decades ago during my first year at university I wrote an essay, dealing with the subject "Medieval Elephants". There were only three elephants during medieval times: Abul Abbas, a present from Harun al Raschid to Charlemagne. Abul Abbas reached Aix La Chapelle in 802 died 810 after swimming in the Rhine. The Cremona-elephant was a present from Al Kamil to Frederik II in 1229. The third elephant was brought to Europe by Louis IX (Saint Louis) in 1255. It was given to Henry III and died in London 1258. There was not a single elephant in Europe between 810 and 1229, and this capital was carved 1120/1130. - It may be, that the carver of this "exotic" capital, was a well travelled person, but I doubt it. It is a phantastic carving designed completely out of rumours about a giant animal living far behind the horiziont. The animal would have a large nose or trunk, long teeth - and totally "uncommon" feet. Over the distances, the size of the ears got lost and the feet got fanshaped, but that is all details. Actually these elephants are pretty precise! I have built up a collection of medivale elephants, if you want to see more, just follow the link: www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/galleries/7215762494.. .

The church of the former Priory Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Benoît is now the parish church of the village. When I visited Perrecy-les-Forges in April 2011 I had the impression, that the church and the museum were locked since years. Charles Martel, grandfather of Charlemagne and leader of the frankish armee in the Battle of Tours (732), gave the Perrecey estate to his brother Childebrand as a gift to thank him for defeating the Sarascens in the valleys of the Rhone and the Saône in 732. Childebrands heirs bequeated it to the abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire. First monks settled here 880/885. Some parts of the westwork may date back to the 9th century. 1020/1030 a romanesque basilica was constructed here. 1120/1130 the large narthex was added, which is - a unique masterpiece. This capital - for me - is the most interesting in Perrecy-les-Forges. Decades ago during my first year at university I wrote an essay, dealing with the subject "Medieval Elephants". There were only three elephants during medieval times: Abul Abbas, a present from Harun al Raschid to Charlemagne. Abul Abbas reached Aix La Chapelle in 802 died 810 after swimming in the Rhine. The Cremona-elephant was a present from Al Kamil to Frederik II in 1229. The third elephant was brought to Europe by Louis IX (Saint Louis) in 1255. It was given to Henry III and died in London 1258. There was not a single elephant in Europe between 810 and 1229, and this capital was carved 1120/1130. - It may be, that the carver of this "exotic" capital, was a well travelled person, but I doubt it. It is a phantastic carving designed completely out of rumours about a giant animal living far behind the horiziont. The animal would have a large nose or trunk, long teeth - and totally "uncommon" feet. Over the distances, the size of the ears got lost and the feet got fanshaped, but that is all details. Actually these elephants are pretty precise! I have built up a collection of medivale elephants, if you want to see more, just follow the link: www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/galleries/7215762494...

The church of the former Priory Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Benoît is now the parish church of the village. When I visited Perrecy-les-Forges in April 2011 I had the impression, that the church and the museum were locked since years. Charles Martel, grandfather of Charlemagne and leader of the frankish armee in the Battle of Tours (732), gave the Perrecey estate to his brother Childebrand as a gift to thank him for defeating the Sarascens in the valleys of the Rhone and the Saône in 732. Childebrands heirs bequeated it to the abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire. First monks settled here 880/885. Some parts of the westwork may date back to the 9th century. 1020/1030 a romanesque basilica was constructed here. 1120/1130 the large narthex was added, which is - a unique masterpiece. This capital - for me - is the most interesting in Perrecy-les-Forges. Decades ago during my first year at university I wrote an essay, dealing with the subject "Medieval Elephants". There were only three elephants during medieval times: Abul Abbas, a present from Harun al Raschid to Charlemagne. Abul Abbas reached Aix La Chapelle in 802 died 810 after swimming in the Rhine. The Cremona-elephant was a present from Al Kamil to Frederik II in 1229. The third elephant was brought to Europe by Louis IX (Saint Louis) in 1255. It was given to Henry III and died in London 1258. There was not a single elephant in Europe between 810 and 1229, and this capital was carved 1120/1130. - It may be, that the carver of this "exotic" capital, was a well travelled person, but I doubt it. It is a phantastic carving designed completely out of rumours about a giant animal living far behind the horiziont. The animal would have a large nose or trunk, long teeth - and totally "uncommon" feet. Over the distances, the size of the ears got lost and the feet got fanshaped, but that is all details. Actually these elephants are pretty precise! I have built up a collection of medivale elephants, if you want to see more, just follow the link: www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/galleries/7215762494.. .

The construction of the late-romanesque hall-church started around 1230. It was dedicated to "St. Lambertus", what is a connection the "Engelbert III von der Mark", a regional noble, who was bishop in Liege, where martyr St. Lambert (aka "Lambert of Maastricht" had been a bishop as well. Engelbert, who later was bishop in Cologne, had a great influence in the area. After the Reformation, the parish converted to Protestantism, but the church was still "St. Lambertus" for a long time. Later, in very sober times, the name was changed to "Evangelische Hauptkirche" (= "Protestant Main Church"). In 1953 a new name was introduced - and since then this is the "Christuskirche". A capital of the late romanesque southern portal. This is the very left capital on the right side of the portal. Unfortunately it is very weathered. Not many details are left. On very first sight, I was sure to see a typical Luxuria, a medieval symbol of lust ("voluptas"), an so a kind of icon for one of "The Seven Deadly Sins". Luxurias can be found often in France (eg Moissac, Blessle, Vienne..), but not in Westphalia. Then I tended to a "Master of the Beasts", what can be found in the area (Balve). Later I returned to Luxuria... The person in the center is a woman. Baids hang down to the shoulders. It is hard to see the arms. I had the impression, that the left arm (her right) goes up - ends in a huge fist, holding the beast, but then I would expect, to see the same/similar on the other side. This is not the case. Two beasts are hanging down the sidewards. Luxurias are mostly connected with suckling snakes or toads. Here are two (ugly, fat) lizard like creatures (salamanders?), that either are just being breastfed (the breasts are lost) or bite into the stomach. The person either wears a kind of skirt - or stands ontop of a small brick-built structure (tower, chimney). Too many details are missing, but - at this moment - I think this is a Luxuria, what would be pretty special for the area.

An oratorium here is recorded already in 996. Count Guifred Cabreta, grandson of Wilfred the Hairy (a person I was interested in since ages. We will "meet" him later) donated land and funds for the erection of a monastery in atonement for the murder of his own son. The abbey was built around the older oratorium and already 1009 a church was consecrated and dedicated to Saint Martin by the Bishop of Elne, who was Count Guifred´s brother. In the document a monk named Sclua is mentioned as the builder. Sclua may have been, what was later called an architect. In 1012 the relics of Saint Gauderique were transferred to Saint-Martin, adding importance to the place. Following a medievial tradition (eg William of Gellone, Bernard II, Lord of Lippe) Count Guifried later left his wife, quit his worldy (sinful) life and entered the Benedictian convent here as a monk. He died at this monastery in 1049. Shortly after that the importance of the monastery dwindeled dramatically. An earthquake ruined the monastery in 1428. The rebuilding took decades. The small, remote convent was later threatend by food-shortage as well as by gangs of smugglers and raiders, who filled the frontier area with terror, the monastery was secularized. In 1781 the last five monks and the abbot left the buildings. The complex fell into disrepair and were used as a stone quarry by local home-builders. In 1902 the bishop of Elne and Perpignan bought the ruins and started a pretty radical restauration. Some buildings were even added, to accomodate visitors. In 1922 a number of capitals could be bought back, that had once belonged to the cloister and "got lost" after the French Revolution. Even if this is not "original" in many aspects, even if it may "lack some character", like some authors wrote, it is a wonderful complex, and as Marcel Durliat wrote, a church "premier art roman méridional", as it is older than most of the other romanesque buildings in Southern France. In 1922 a number of capitals "returned home", after they had spent about a century in a villa in Vernet-les-Bains. It was known, that two cloisters had existed, similar to Elne. The lower one was built within the 11th, the upper one within the 12th century. As the exact place of the capitals could not be found out anymore, and only one cloister got (partly) reconstructed, an open gallery was erected. There are some capitals, made from reddish marble cut in quarries near Villefranche-de-Conflent (14kms north), are younger (12th), have a different geometry and show a totally different iconography, not using the well known patterns. These carvings are "storytelling", but in most cases I could not find the stories that are told. Even Marcel Durliat does not offer an explanation. This is the "backside" of the capital just seen, having a fish and the Rocabertí' escutcheon, as Ray/Adfinem found out. On the left is that bird with the branch again. A perfect fit, maybe one of the abbots came from the Rocabertí family. In a flyer I picked up, this capital was named "corn-capital", but actually corn (as well as pinapple) was not very widespread, before Columbus had reached the Bahamas. So in case it is a fruit, it may be a pomegranate, but it may as well be a pillar with a capital. On top of the right "capital" is a face. Another roughly carved face is just over that large animal. Actually all corners have that carving. The head of the large animal in the center is very damaged. I think, that this could well be an ape. The eye-brows and these furrows can often be seen at apes - plus - the profile of the animal on the right side - is very apelike.

Notre-Dame was built from white, local stones within the 12th century and got remodeled and enlarged at least three times, before the 19th-renovation startet. Actually parts of the transept are even older, dated to the 11th century. Three domes span over the nave. This church is known for the capitals. In case, there were doubts about the existence of a crocodile on the other capital (previous upload), all the doubts are gone here. This is a crocdile - and below is a chameleon.There cannot be any doubt about these animals. They are still exotic, but within the 12th centuries these animals must have been a myth. If - this capital was created within the 12th century. Did the carver return from a cruisade and saw crocodiles and chameleons? The sculpture of chameleon is so detailled - did he own a stuffed lizard? Or was this capital added during the 19th-century-renovation - and so is only about 150 years old? I could not find out, but it may well be.

The Jaca Cathedral is one of the oldest of the Iberian peninsula, dating back to the 1070s. The building, that was altered many times later, was commissioned by King Sancho Ramírez, who established an episcopal seat in Jaca, then the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. The Romanesque cathedral was completed around 1130. In 1395 a blaze destroyed large parts of the cathedral. The ceiling had to be reconstructed in the following decades and got renovated in the 16th century, when the aisles were added and the nave got enlarged. It is pretty dark inside the cathedral, so I could only take a few blurry photos. Here is one of them. The capital is covered with buds - and bud-sized human heads. The heads all have the same hairstyle as seen outside, so this may be carved by the "Master of Jaca" or his studio.

The Jaca Cathedral is one of the oldest of the Iberian peninsula, dating back to the 1070s. The building, that was altered many times later, was commissioned by King Sancho Ramírez, who established an episcopal seat in Jaca, then the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. The Romanesque cathedral was completed around 1130. In 1395 a blaze destroyed large parts of the cathedral. The ceiling had to be reconstructed in the following decades and got renovated in the 16th century, when the aisles were added and the nave got enlarged. It is pretty dark inside the cathedral, so I could only take a few blurry photos. Here is one of them. Just like outside here are men with "classical hairstyles", clad in togas. They are obviously discussing an interesting subject. This capital may be carved as well by the "Master of Jaca" or his studio.

The Jaca Cathedral is one of the oldest of the Iberian peninsula, dating back to the 1070s. The building, that was altered many times later, was commissioned by King Sancho Ramírez, who established an episcopal seat in Jaca, then the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. The Romanesque cathedral was completed around 1130. In 1395 a blaze destroyed large parts of the cathedral. The ceiling had to be reconstructed in the following decades and got renovated in the 16th century, when the aisles were added and the nave got enlarged. The cloister, adjoining the cathedral hosts the "Museo Diocesano de Jaca". Here is the museum´s website: www.diocesisdejaca.org/index.php/museo-diocesano-de-jaca I had once admired the capital depicting "King David and his musicians" on the southern porch of the cathedral. This porch was added to the structure later, "reusing" capitals that probably had been before part of a Romanesque cloister. I did not know at that time, that I saw a copy. This is the original, a masterpiece of the Master of Jaca. Crowned King David, seated on a throne, plays the vielle. He is accompanied by an orchestra of 11 musicians, playing different instruments.

The Jaca Cathedral is one of the oldest of the Iberian peninsula, dating back to the 1070s. The building, that was altered many times later, was commissioned by King Sancho Ramírez, who established an episcopal seat in Jaca, then the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. The Romanesque cathedral was completed around 1130. In 1395 a blaze destroyed large parts of the cathedral. The ceiling had to be reconstructed in the following decades and got renovated in the 16th century, when the aisles were added and the nave got enlarged. The cloister, adjoining the cathedral hosts the "Museo Diocesano de Jaca". Here is the museum´s website: www.diocesisdejaca.org/index.php/museo-diocesano-de-jaca I had once admired the capital depicting "King David and his musicians" on the southern porch of the cathedral. This porch was added to the structure later, "reusing" capitals that probably had been before part of a Romanesque cloister. I did not know at that time, that I saw a copy. This is the original, a masterpiece of the Master of Jaca. King David, seated on a throne, playing the vielle (seen to the very left), is accompanied by an orchestra of 11 musicians, playing different instruments. Here is the right side of the capital.

The Jaca Cathedral is one of the oldest of the Iberian peninsula, dating back to the 1070s. The building, that was altered many times later, was commissioned by King Sancho Ramírez, who established an episcopal seat in Jaca, then the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. The Romanesque cathedral was completed around 1130. In 1395 a blaze destroyed large parts of the cathedral. The ceiling had to be reconstructed in the following decades and got renovated in the 16th century, when the aisles were added and the nave got enlarged. The cloister, adjoining the cathedral hosts the "Museo Diocesano de Jaca". Here is the museum´s website: www.diocesisdejaca.org/index.php/museo-diocesano-de-jaca I had once admired the capital depicting "King David and his musicians" on the southern porch of the cathedral. This porch was added to the structure later, "reusing" capitals that probably had been before part of a Romanesque cloister. I did not know at that time, that I saw a copy. This is the original, a masterpiece of the Master of Jaca. King David is accompanied by an orchestra of 11 musicians, playing different instruments. Again the right side (just like the previous upload) but from a different pov, as now all musicians can be seen. One of them play a tubelike curved object.

The Jaca Cathedral is one of the oldest of the Iberian peninsula, dating back to the 1070s. The building, that was altered many times later, was commissioned by King Sancho Ramírez, who established an episcopal seat in Jaca, then the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. The Romanesque cathedral was completed around 1130. In 1395 a blaze destroyed large parts of the cathedral. The ceiling had to be reconstructed in the following decades and got renovated in the 16th century, when the aisles were added and the nave got enlarged. The cloister, adjoining the cathedral hosts the "Museo Diocesano de Jaca". Here is the museum´s website: www.diocesisdejaca.org/index.php/museo-diocesano-de-jaca I had once admired the capital depicting "King David and his musicians" on the southern porch of the cathedral. This porch was added to the structure later, "reusing" capitals that probably had been before part of a Romanesque cloister. I did not know at that time, that I saw a copy. This is the original, a masterpiece of the Master of Jaca. King David, is accompanied by an orchestra of 11 musicians, playing different instruments. This is the left side, where 5 of the 11 musicians are gathered.

The Jaca Cathedral is one of the oldest of the Iberian peninsula, dating back to the 1070s. The building, that was altered many times later, was commissioned by King Sancho Ramírez, who established an episcopal seat in Jaca, then the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. The Romanesque cathedral was completed around 1130. In 1395 a blaze destroyed large parts of the cathedral. The ceiling had to be reconstructed in the following decades and got renovated in the 16th century, when the aisles were added and the nave got enlarged. The cloister, adjoining the cathedral hosts the "Museo Diocesano de Jaca". Here is the museum´s website: www.diocesisdejaca.org/index.php/museo-diocesano-de-jaca I had once admired the capital depicting "King David and his musicians" on the southern porch of the cathedral. This porch was added to the structure later, "reusing" capitals that probably had been before part of a Romanesque cloister. I did not know at that time, that I saw a copy. This is the original, a masterpiece of the Master of Jaca. King David, is accompanied by an orchestra of 11 musicians, playing different instruments. This is a close up the left side, where 5 of the 11 musicians are gathered. On the right is a flautist (pan flute) and a below him is a hornist. The musician to the left holds a string instrument, probably a small lute. The instrument below him will be better seen on the following upload.

The Jaca Cathedral is one of the oldest of the Iberian peninsula, dating back to the 1070s. The building, that was altered many times later, was commissioned by King Sancho Ramírez, who established an episcopal seat in Jaca, then the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. The Romanesque cathedral was completed around 1130. In 1395 a blaze destroyed large parts of the cathedral. The ceiling had to be reconstructed in the following decades and got renovated in the 16th century, when the aisles were added and the nave got enlarged. The cloister, adjoining the cathedral hosts the "Museo Diocesano de Jaca". Here is the museum´s website: www.diocesisdejaca.org/index.php/museo-diocesano-de-jaca I had once admired the capital depicting "King David and his musicians" on the southern porch of the cathedral. This porch was added to the structure later, "reusing" capitals that probably had been before part of a Romanesque cloister. I did not know at that time, that I saw a copy. This is the original, a masterpiece of the Master of Jaca. King David, is accompanied by an orchestra of 11 musicians, playing different instruments. This is a second close up the left side, where 5 of the 11 musicians are gathered. The instrument played by the musician in the center can only be a small, portable pipe organ.

The Jaca Cathedral is one of the oldest of the Iberian peninsula, dating back to the 1070s. The building, that was altered many times later, was commissioned by King Sancho Ramírez, who established an episcopal seat in Jaca, then the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. The Romanesque cathedral was completed around 1130. In 1395 a blaze destroyed large parts of the cathedral. The ceiling had to be reconstructed in the following decades and got renovated in the 16th century, when the aisles were added and the nave got enlarged. The cloister, adjoining the cathedral hosts the "Museo Diocesano de Jaca". Here is the museum´s website: www.diocesisdejaca.org/index.php/museo-diocesano-de-jaca I had once admired the capital depicting "King David and his musicians" on the southern porch of the cathedral. This porch was added to the structure later, "reusing" capitals that probably had been before part of a Romanesque cloister. I did not know at that time, that I saw a copy. After uploading half a dozen of photos taken from the original capital in the museum - this is the copy at the south porch of the cathedral, taken in the afternoon sun. Just to give an impression.

The Jaca Cathedral is one of the oldest of the Iberian peninsula, dating back to the 1070s. The building, that was altered many times later, was commissioned by King Sancho Ramírez, who established an episcopal seat in Jaca, then the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon. The Romanesque cathedral was completed around 1130. In 1395 a blaze destroyed large parts of the cathedral. The ceiling had to be reconstructed in the following decades and got renovated in the 16th century, when the aisles were added and the nave got enlarged. The cloister, adjoining the cathedral hosts the "Museo Diocesano de Jaca". Here is the museum´s website: www.diocesisdejaca.org/index.php/museo-diocesano-de-jaca This is one of the capitals between cloister and chapter house (see previous upload). The capital is masterly carved in a smooth and elegant style, reminding me on carvings I saw in Toulouse (St. Sernin). In the center of the capital are two gentlemen, clad in togas, obviously communicating. The left one holds this snake by it´s tail. Where is the snake´s head? It looks so "en passant", but people did not play with snakes, like some do in the US. Any idea? www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/snake-hand...

Once "Saint Robert" was the center of a thriving priory, dependent on the important Bendictian abbey "La Chaise-Dieu" in the Auvergne (250kms east). The priory got established here around 1080, the erection of the large pilgrim-church started soon after. The church is dedicated to Saint Robert, aka Robert de Turlande. He had founded La Chaise Dieu in 1053, and got canonized already in 1070. This church got ruined during the Hundred Years´ War - and what can be still seen is transept, crossing tower, choir ambulatory. Where the large nave was, the parking lot stretches now. The ruins of the nave finally got demolished around. After the French Revolution the church was used for the fabrication and storage of weapons and ammunition. It got restored within the 19th century. The village of Saint-Robert surrounding the church is one of the nicest in France - a "plus beaux villages de France". All churches, designed and built for the pilgrims, have a similar design with choir/apse and ambulatory. Saint-Robert is sometimes compared with Saint-Pierre in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (70kms southeast). I do see strong parallels to churches in the Auvergne and even Burgundy. The monks from "La Chaise-Dieu" probably sent experienced architects and masons to the priory. This damaged capital may be a bit younger, as thatones around the choir, just seen. This capital was once part of the demolished nave. Daniel in the Lion´s Den.

The Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is a jewel of Romanesque architecture. The nave was erected within 20 years, from 1120 on, after the preceding church burnt down, with a loss of more than 1000 lifes. The choir and the transept, seen here, were erected 1185 - 1215. They are completed already in gothic style. The relics of Sainte Marie Madeleine, that had been here since around 1050, made Vezelay to a center of pilgrimage (and the starting point of the Via Lemovizensis). But in 1279 dominican monks in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume claimed to have found the "real" sarcophagus of Sainte Marie Madeleine. Unfortunately the Dominicans found the patronage by Pope Boniface VIII and Charles d'Anjou - and so Vezelay lost it´s importance. In 1559, during the Wars of Religion, Huguenots looted Vezelay und burnt the relics, that were still in Vezelay. Today there is a golden reliquary in the large, probably carolingian crypt, so obviously at least a part of the relics are still here. Prosper Mérimée and Viollet-le-Duc saved the basilica, that was a ruin in the early 19th century. When Prosper Mérimée started the renovation of the basilica in 1840, he was 26 years old. This was the first task for the young architect.. There are 99 carved capitals in the Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. Only a few were so damaged, that they had to be replaced during the renovation of the church. These damaged ones can be seen in the neighbouring museum now. All other capitals are still exactly in that places, they were carved for between 1125 and 1140. There is a specific smooth carving style in Vezelay. Here once were two elephants standing trunk in trunk. A vandal destroyed the capital. Either he could not stand the harmony of the animal couple, or he just did not like elephants at all. Charlemagne´s Abul Abbas had died in 810, more than 300 years before these elephants were carved. Two elephants reached Europe a century after the capital was created. The "Cremona Elephant", a gift presented to Frederick II by Sultan Al-Kamil in 1229, and the elephant Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") presented to Henry III. This elephant, imported to France by Louis on his return from the crusade, died in cold and wet London in 1258.