Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: trumeau

León was founded in 68 AD for a Roman legion from which they were supposed to pacify the rebellious mountain dwellers of Asturias and Cantabria. The name of the settlement that was then developed is based on a refined form of the Latin word "legio". After the end of the Roman Empire, the city was conquered by the Visigoths and in 712 by the Moors. In 856, after the reconquest under King Ordoño I of Asturias, the city was repopulated. Ordoño II made León the capital of his kingdom of León in 914. Sacked by Almanzor in about 987, the city was reconstructed and repopulated by Alfonso V, León was an important stop on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela. Traders and artisans settled in the suburbs and had a strong influence on the development of the city from the 13th century onwards. In the early Middle Ages, the city became prosperous through the cattle trade. However, from the 16th century until the 19th century, the economy and population declined. The main construction period of the cathedral was between 1255 and 1303. The first architect was "Master Enrique", who had previously built the transept and nave of Burgos Cathedral between 1243 and 1260. "Master Enrique" directed the construction from 1255 to 1277, using Reims Cathedral as a model. The experience he gained in Burgos prompted him to take a risk, which paid off centuries later, as many openings later had to be bricked up for stability reasons. In the middle of the 19th century, the structure was on the verge of collapse and had to be completely restored. Reconstruction lasted from 1859 to 1901. In 1302, the work was apparently stopped, probably for financial reasons. This may also be the reason for the comparatively short nave with only five bays, for the lack of a tower in the transept. The upper parts of the cathedral were not completed until 1439. Virgen de la Esperanza / 13th/14th century

León was founded in 68 AD for a Roman legion from which they were supposed to pacify the rebellious mountain dwellers of Asturias and Cantabria. The name of the settlement that was then developed is based on a refined form of the Latin word "legio". After the end of the Roman Empire, the city was conquered by the Visigoths and in 712 by the Moors. In 856, after the reconquest under King Ordoño I of Asturias, the city was repopulated. Ordoño II made León the capital of his kingdom of León in 914. Sacked by Almanzor in about 987, the city was reconstructed and repopulated by Alfonso V, León was an important stop on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela. Traders and artisans settled in the suburbs and had a strong influence on the development of the city from the 13th century onwards. In the early Middle Ages, the city became prosperous through the cattle trade. However, from the 16th century until the 19th century, the economy and population declined. The main construction period of the cathedral was between 1255 and 1303. The first architect was "Master Enrique", who had previously built the transept and nave of Burgos Cathedral between 1243 and 1260. "Master Enrique" directed the construction from 1255 to 1277, using Reims Cathedral as a model. The experience he gained in Burgos prompted him to take a risk, which paid off centuries later, as many openings later had to be bricked up for stability reasons. In the middle of the 19th century, the structure was on the verge of collapse and had to be completely restored. Reconstruction lasted from 1859 to 1901. In 1302, the work was apparently stopped, probably for financial reasons. This may also be the reason for the comparatively short nave with only five bays, for the lack of a tower in the transept. The upper parts of the cathedral were not completed until 1439. La Virgen Blanca For centuries, this statue was the central column (“trumeau”) of the main portal from the 13th century. There is now a copy in the portal, the original is protected in the cathedral.

Epinal was founded end of the 10th century by Dietrich I, Bishop of Metz (cousin of Emperor Otto I). A church will have existed here, that mid of the 11th century got replaced by a Romanesque structure, consecrated by Pope Leo IX, who was born in the near Alsace. This church probably had the same dimensions as the building today as some walls of the nave can be traced back to that church. A convent once adjoint the church to the south. The nuns could enter the church through a particular portal from the cloister. The parishioners entered the church through this portal, called "Portail des Bourgeois". It was decorated with statues once and had a carved tympanum. All was lost in 1793, when stirred up revolutionists raided the church. Iconoclastic waves rolled all over France just after the Revolution. In the center, between the doors, is a statue of the "Madonna and Child" from the 13th century. There are still traces of colours.

Epinal was founded end of the 10th century by Dietrich I, Bishop of Metz (cousin of Emperor Otto I). A church will have existed here, that mid of the 11th century got replaced by a Romanesque structure, consecrated by Pope Leo IX, who was born in the near Alsace. This church probably had the same dimensions as the building today as some walls of the nave can be traced back to that church. A convent once adjoint the church to the south. The nuns could enter the church through a particular portal from the cloister. The parishioners entered the church through this portal, called "Portail des Bourgeois". It was decorated with statues once and had a carved tympanum. All was lost in 1793, when stirred up revolutionists raided the church. Iconoclastic waves rolled all over France just after the Revolution. In the center, between the doors, is a statue of the "Madonna and Child" from the 13th century. There are still traces of colours.

There have been five cathedrals on this site. One was destroyed by Visigothic troops mid of the 8th century. The successive cathedral was burnt down by Vikings ("Danes") in 858. The carolingian structure that was erected within the next decades was burnt down in 962 by troops led by Richard I of Normandy (aka "Richard the Fearless", "Richard Sans-Peur"). The rebuilding started again, but whatever was completed got destroyed by a fire, caused accidently, in 1020. The erection of a Romanesque cathedral started and most of the still existing crypt dates back to that building. In 1134, another fire damaged the town and large parts of the cathedral. The towers got repaired and rebuilt and the portal between them got created. Another blaze hit the town in June 1194. The cathedral was burnt down. Construction works started the same year. The western towers and the undamaged western portal ("Portail Royal") got integrated into the new building. The nave was already vaulted in 1220, the transept and the stained windows were completed in 1260. On 24 October 1260, only 66 years after the start of construction, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame was consecrated in the presence of Louis IX of France (aka "Saint Louis", "le Prudhomme"). Since Charles the Bald, Louis the Pious´ son, had given the "Sancta Camisia" to the cathedral in 876. Because of this "Veil of the Virgin" Chartres developed into a very important Marian pilgrimage center in medieval times. The south transept portals were carved between 1225 and 1260, so these works are some decades younger than the northern portals and about a century younger than the Portail Royal. While the carvings there are still in a transition from Romanesque to Gothic style, the works of the South portal are elegant Gothic.

There have been five cathedrals on this site. One was destroyed by Visigothic troops mid of the 8th century. The successive cathedral was burnt down by Vikings ("Danes") in 858. The carolingian structure that was erected within the next decades was burnt down in 962 by troops led by Richard I of Normandy (aka "Richard the Fearless", "Richard Sans-Peur"). The rebuilding started again, but whatever was completed got destroyed by a fire, caused accidently, in 1020. The erection of a Romanesque cathedral started and most of the still existing crypt dates back to that building. In 1134, another fire damaged the town and large parts of the cathedral. The towers got repaired and rebuilt and the portal between them got created. Another blaze hit the town in June 1194. The cathedral was burnt down. Construction works started the same year. The western towers and the undamaged western portal ("Portail Royal") got integrated into the new building. The nave was already vaulted in 1220, the transept and the stained windows were completed in 1260. On 24 October 1260, only 66 years after the start of construction, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame was consecrated in the presence of Louis IX of France (aka "Saint Louis", "le Prudhomme"). Since Charles the Bald, Louis the Pious´ son, had given the "Sancta Camisia" to the cathedral in 876. Because of this "Veil of the Virgin" Chartres developed into a very important Marian pilgrimage center in medieval times. The south transept portals were carved between 1225 and 1260, so these works are some decades younger than the northern portals and about a century younger than the Portail Royal. While the carvings there are still in a transition from Romanesque to Gothic style, the works of the South portal are elegant Gothic. The central portal was carved on the theme of the New Testament. Seen here are the trumeau, Christ standing on two lions, and the jamb statues of the right side. Apostles are standing on small workmen.

Many pilgrims following the Via Lemovicensis visited Bazas, as since medieval times as the blood of John the Baptist was venerated here. The relic got lost during the French Revolution as well as the bishopric seat. The cathedral, dating mainly from the 13th-14th centuries, dominates the central square of Bazas. The western facade has three Gothic portals. Here is the tympanum of the center portal. The trumeau depicts John the Baptist (only his upper body can be seen), holding the "Agnus Dei". The trumeau depicts John the Baptist (only his upper body can be seen), holding the "Agnus Dei". The tympanum has in the lowest tier some biblical scenes, connected to John´s life. The decapitation is to the very left. The "Last Judgment", a popular theme With the next tier the Armageddon begins. The "Last Judgment" was a very popular theme fpr tymoana since centuries. Here the graves open. The weighing of the souls is seen (very damaged) in the center of the next level. On the very right devils stuff poor souls into the hellmouth, while the persons on the left side go up to heaven. The angels, flanking Christ in the center above, hold the "Arma Christi" ("Instruments of the Passion").

In Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, St. Remi founded a bishopric in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071. This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (and described as greedy and very violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France. The trumeau in the very center of the portal depicts Virgin Mary, holding the child (see previous upload). Here are Mother and Child.

Saillac, a small village south of Collonges-la-Rouge, has a remarkable parish church. Saint Jean Baptist was originally built within the 12th century. Though the church got fortified later, it suffered a lot of damage during the Wars of Religion and the French Revolution. What can be seen today is the result of major renovations carried out during the 19th and 20th century. The polychrome tympanum that survived the times dpicts the Adoration of the Magi (see previous uploads). The lintel is supported by a trumeau with twisted bands of hounds chasing a deer. Here is a detail. Actually this is a battue, here is one of the hunters´ helper - and the deer. The helper´s task is to frighten the game with the flag and chase it to the hunter. The information given locally calls this style "languedocien". It is an interesting work, but may be added within the last century.

Saillac, a small village south of Collonges-la-Rouge, has a remarkable parish church. Saint Jean Baptist was originally built within the 12th century. Though the church got fortified later, it suffered a lot of damage during the Wars of Religion and the French Revolution. What can be seen today is the result of major renovations carried out during the 19th and 20th century. The polychrome tympanum survived the times, well, maybe the colours have been repainted. The Adoration of the Magi, the horses one of the Magi´s attributes wait to the left. Joseph (to the right) is barefoot. On the lintel are two giant dragons. The left (pale) one is just devouring a sinner, while a saint (nimbus) fights the right one. He pushes a knife/sword into the mouth of the beast - that has a human head.

Saillac, a small village south of Collonges-la-Rouge, has a remarkable parish church. Saint Jean Baptist was originally built within the 12th century. Though the church got fortified later, it suffered a lot of damage during the Wars of Religion and the French Revolution. What can be seen today is the result of major renovations carried out during the 19th and 20th century. The polychrome tympanum survived the times, well, maybe the colours have been repainted. The Adoration of the Magi. Note the trumeau with twisted bands of hounds chasing a deer. The information given locally calls this style "languedocien". It is an interesting work, but it may be added later.

Raoul de Bourges (aka "Saint Raoul"), archbishop of Bourges, son of the Count of Turenne founded an abbey on the banks of the Dordogne river in the 9th century with the help of monks from Solignac, where Raoul had started his clerical career. After feudal quarrels, the abbey Saint-Pierre joined the Cluniac movement in 1076 and soon after the erection of this church started. It was completed already mid 12th century. Though not situated at the busy pilgrim routes (eg "Via Podensis" runs about 60kms south) a large, typical "pilgrim church" was created here. It may well been, that the relics, that were on display here (Saint-Prime, Saint-Félicien, Sainte-Félicité) and the proximity to Rocamador (30kms southwest) motivated many pilgrims to do a detour. The abbey slipped into difficult times, when the number of pilgrims shrunk and feudal claims emerged again. The abbey and the city of Beaulieu suffered of the Wars of Religion. The Huguenots took over Beaulieu in 1569 and the monks had to flee. After the "Ligue Catholique" had reconquered the place, the monks returned and soon after the convent joined the Congregation of Saint Maur. The abbey existed upto the French revolution, when the last 6 monks had to leave. The abbey buildings got sold and demolished, while the church was taken over by the parish. The structure was in a ruined state at that time. The nave partly collapsed in 1808, but a difficult renovation undertaken end of the 19th century finally saved the church. The double lintel is populated by creatures of hell. These are the beasts of the Revelation, there is even a seven-headed-beast. The creatures come out of the hell´s mouth (left) and are devouring ill-fated sinners. Just like the portal of Abbaye Saint-Pierre in Moissac, the lintel is supported by a very elaborate trumeau. I doubt, that this was created by the same workshop, who created Moissac, as sometimes claimed. The style here is much more "dynamic" and more imaginative.

Raoul de Bourges (aka "Saint Raoul"), archbishop of Bourges, son of the Count of Turenne founded an abbey on the banks of the Dordogne river in the 9th century with the help of monks from Solignac, where Raoul had started his clerical career. After feudal quarrels, the abbey Saint-Pierre joined the Cluniac movement in 1076 and soon after the erection of this church started. It was completed already mid 12th century. Though not situated at the busy pilgrim routes (eg "Via Podensis" runs about 60kms south) a large, typical "pilgrim church" was created here. It may well been, that the relics, that were on display here (Saint-Prime, Saint-Félicien, Sainte-Félicité) and the proximity to Rocamador (30kms southwest) motivated many pilgrims to do a detour. The abbey slipped into difficult times, when the number of pilgrims shrunk and feudal claims emerged again. The abbey and the city of Beaulieu suffered of the Wars of Religion. The Huguenots took over Beaulieu in 1569 and the monks had to flee. After the "Ligue Catholique" had reconquered the place, the monks returned and soon after the convent joined the Congregation of Saint Maur. The abbey existed upto the French revolution, when the last 6 monks had to leave. The abbey buildings got sold and demolished, while the church was taken over by the parish. The structure was in a ruined state at that time. The nave partly collapsed in 1808, but a difficult renovation undertaken end of the 19th century finally saved the church. Here is Saint-Pierre´s southern portal. Under a porch is a huge (and pretty undamaged!) tympanum, created 1130/40. It has parallels to (little older) Moissac, but differs in many details, themes and style. Like Moissac it has a remarkable trumeau supporting a "double"-lintel.

In 1080, when Morlaàs was in its heydays, the building of this church started by Centulle V, Viscount of Béarn, who had to make an atonement. Morlaàs developed to an important "étape" on the Via Tolosana at that time. As the church was dedicated to St. Foy there was a kind of "link" to Conques. Later the pilgrimage business declined, the viscounts moved away, wars arose.... The church burnt down in 1520, got severely damaged in 1569. During the French Revolution the church turned to a "Temple of Reason". The restorations of the 19th century saved the structure. Viollet-le-Duc, the influential "Inspecteur général des Edifices Diocésains" led the restoration of the portal, seen here. At all places, where he worked (eg "Carcasonne", "Vézelay"), he "recreated" and creatively "completed", what today is sometimes disputed. The perfect condition of the portal is a result of this restoration. The base of the trumeau has these two chained persons, who have the weight of the portal on their shoulders. The early pilgrims saw these sculpted figures as "moors" - in the context of the ongoing Reconquista. The pilgrimage to Santiago itself was seen in that context by many of them. Following the Via Tolosana, the pilgrims reached Oloron-Sainte-Marie just two days later. There is a very similar trumeau, "crowned" by St. Jaques in a "matamoro" pose.

In 1080, when Morlaàs was in its heydays, the building of this church started by Centulle V, Viscount of Béarn, who had to make an atonement. Morlaàs developed to an important "étape" on the Via Tolosana at that time. As the church was dedicated to St. Foy there was a kind of "link" to Conques. But later the pilgrimage declined, the viscounts moved away, wars arose.... The church burnt down in 1520, got severely damaged in 1569. During the French Revolution the church turned to a "Temple of Reason". The restaurations of the 19th century saved the structure. Viollet-le-Duc, the influential "Inspecteur général des Edifices Diocésains" led the restoration of the portal, seen here. At all places, where he worked (eg "Carcasonne", "Vézelay"), he "recreated" and creatively "completed", what today is sometimes disputed. The perfect condition of the portal is a result of this restoration. Standing in font of the trumeau and lookig up..