Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Magistri Comacini

The former parish church St. Andreas in Bad Goegging has a very winding and interesting history. This is the second church here. The predecessing one was built once over the basin of a Roman thermal bath, used by the Roman troops for recreation. There is a speculation, that Christians lived here already during the late Roman times. It is proven that this place was a Christian center during the time of the early missionaries. Only about 12kms north is Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Bavarian monastery founded by iro-scottish monks in 617 - and there may have been connections to Goegging. The northern portal of St. Andreas is so elaborate, that this church must have been important during the 12th century. The entrance is flanked by two small lions, guarding the door. The portal so outstanding, it has been connected to the "Magistri Comacini" from Northern Italy, but the style seen here is rather rough. The Lombardic master masons mostly carved in a more elegant, softer style (eg Koenigslutter). There are many "interpretations" of all the different icons found here. There are 14 framed reliefs in Bad Goegging. Peter Leuschner ("Romanische Kirchen in Bayern") refers to late Dr. J. Reichart, an archeologist from nearby Ingolstadt, who divided them in to three groups. Following Dr. Reichart, seven carvings illustrate the seven deadly sins, three depicts scene from the Old and four scenes of the New Testament. I am not completely sure about these interpretations. On the left side of the semicircle of the tympanum - and so parallel to the resurraction-frame (just seen) is this lady holding a censer. As only angels (or altar boys) swing censers, this person is probably an angel. The angel wears a very large brooch.

The former parish church St. Andreas in Bad Goegging has a very winding and interesting history. This is the second church here. The predecessing one was built once over the basin of a Roman thermal bath, used by the Roman troops for recreation. There is a speculation, that Christians lived here already during the late Roman times. It is proven that this place was a Christian center during the time of the early missionaries. Only about 12kms north is Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Bavarian monastery founded by iro-scottish monks in 617 - and there may have been connections to Goegging. The northern portal of St. Andreas is so elaborate, that this church must have been important during the 12th century. The entrance is flanked by two small lions, guarding the door. The portal so outstanding, it has been connected to the "Magistri Comacini" from Northern Italy, but the style seen here is rather rough. The Lombardic master masons mostly carved in a more elegant, softer style (eg Koenigslutter). There are many "interpretations" of all the different icons found here. There are 14 framed reliefs in Bad Goegging. Peter Leuschner ("Romanische Kirchen in Bayern") refers to late Dr. J. Reichart, an archeologist from nearby Ingolstadt, who divided them in to three groups. Following Dr. Reichart, seven carvings illustrate the seven deadly sins, three depicts scene from the Old and four scenes of the New Testament. I am not completely sure about these interpretations. In case, the crucifcation frame just seen connects to the "Pilate-frame" on the left side of the portal and these two carvings illustrate the Passion of Christ, then this frame can only be seen as the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus (nimbus) is holding up the cross. His finger points down to the crucification. This carving is the largest of all - and it is placed "over" the crucification.

The former parish church St. Andreas in Bad Goegging has a very winding and interesting history. This is the second church here. The predecessing one was built once over the basin of a Roman thermal bath, used by the Roman troops for recreation. There is a speculation, that Christians lived here already during the late Roman times. It is proven that this place was a Christian center during the time of the early missionaries. Only about 12kms north is Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Bavarian monastery founded by iro-scottish monks in 617 - and there may have been connections to Goegging. The northern portal of St. Andreas is so elaborate, that this church must have been important during the 12th century. The entrance is flanked by two small lions, guarding the door. The portal so outstanding, it has been connected to the "Magistri Comacini" from Northern Italy, but the style seen here is rather rough. The Lombardic master masons mostly carved in a more elegant, softer style (eg Koenigslutter). There are many "interpretations" of all the different icons found here. There are 14 framed reliefs in Bad Goegging. Peter Leuschner ("Romanische Kirchen in Bayern") refers to late Dr. J. Reichart, an archeologist from nearby Ingolstadt, who divided them in to three groups. Following Dr. Reichart, seven carvings illustrate the seven deadly sins, three depicts scene from the Old and four scenes of the New Testament. I am not completely sure about these interpretations. This is the carvings just over the lion´s head on the right side of the portal. Just like the carving on the left side it has two frames. The right one depicts a mermaid (or is it a siren?), while the left one has a person with a bulbous nose. The person looks like a dwarf, but the hood my be part of a monk´s habit.

The former parish church St. Andreas in Bad Goegging has a very winding and interesting history. This is the second church here. The predecessing one was built once over the basin of a Roman thermal bath, used by the Roman troops for recreation. There is a speculation, that Christians lived here already during the late Roman times. It is proven that this place was a Christian center during the time of the early missionaries. Only about 12kms north is Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Bavarian monastery founded by iro-scottish monks in 617 - and there may have been connections to Goegging. The northern portal of St. Andreas is so elaborate, that this church must have been important during the 12th century. The entrance is flanked by two small lions, guarding the door. The portal so outstanding, it has been connected to the "Magistri Comacini" from Northern Italy, but the style seen here is rather rough. The Lombardic master masons mostly carved in a more elegant, softer style (eg Koenigslutter). There are many "interpretations" of all the different icons found here. The tympanum is carved in a style, that fits to "Magistri Comacini". It clearly differs from the carvings around the portal. Christ as a Pantocrator and eschatological judge, holds book. Christ is flanked by two angels, who both bow down below the semicircle and hold objects. The corners of their mouths are turned down. This is a very disapproving expression. The corbels below the tympanum depict (not to see from here) St. Johannes (John) and St. Andreas (Andrew).

The former parish church St. Andreas in Bad Goegging has a very winding and interesting history. This is the second church here. The predecessing one was built once over the basin of a Roman thermal bath, used by the Roman troops for recreation. There is a speculation, that Christians lived here already during the late Roman times. It is proven that this place was a Christian center during the time of the early missionaries. Only about 12kms north is Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Bavarian monastery founded by iro-scottish monks in 617 - and there may have been connections to Goegging. The northern portal of St. Andreas is so elaborate, that this church must have been important during the 12th century. The entrance is flanked by two small lions, guarding the door. The portal so outstanding, it has been connected to the "Magistri Comacini" from Northern Italy, but the style seen here is rather rough. The Lombardic master masons mostly carved in a more elegant, softer style (eg Koenigslutter). There are many "interpretations" of all the different icons found here. There are 14 framed reliefs in Bad Goegging. Peter Leuschner ("Romanische Kirchen in Bayern") refers to late Dr. J. Reichart, an archeologist from nearby Ingolstadt, who divided them in to three groups. Following Dr. Reichart, seven carvings illustrate the seven deadly sins, three depicts scene from the Old and four scenes of the New Testament. I am not completely sure about these interpretations. What looks like two well dressed arm wrestlers on first sight. might be - following Dr. Reichart´s interpretation - Melchizedek handing over bread and wine to Abraham. Genesis 14, 18ff Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”

The former parish church St. Andreas in Bad Goegging has a very winding and interesting history. This is the second church here. The predecessing one was built once over the basin of a Roman thermal bath, used by the Roman troops for recreation. There is a speculation, that Christians lived here already during the late Roman times. It is proven that this place was a Christian center during the time of the early missionaries. Only about 12kms north is Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Bavarian monastery founded by iro-scottish monks in 617 - and there may have been connections to Goegging. The northern portal of St. Andreas is so elaborate, that this church must have been important during the 12th century. The entrance is flanked by two small lions, guarding the door. The portal so outstanding, it has been connected to the "Magistri Comacini" from Northern Italy, but the style seen here is rather rough. The Lombardic master masons mostly carved in a more elegant, softer style (eg Koenigslutter). There are many "interpretations" of all the different icons found here. There are 14 framed reliefs in Bad Goegging. Peter Leuschner ("Romanische Kirchen in Bayern") refers to late Dr. J. Reichart, an archeologist from nearby Ingolstadt, who divided them in to three groups. Following Dr. Reichart, seven carvings illustrate the seven deadly sins, three depicts scene from the Old and four scenes of the New Testament. I am not completely sure about these interpretations. A large frame, very roughly carved, from the right side of the portal. Following Dr. Reichart´s interpretation this depicts Genesis 22:13 "And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns." The animal seen is a ram, but why should Abraham be in such a position. He does not even have feet. I have the impression, that the person on the right is not Abraham, but the angle, who is just placing/pushing the ram "in the thicket". As angels can fly - there are no feet.

The former parish church St. Andreas in Bad Goegging has a very winding and interesting history. This is the second church here. The predecessing one was built once over the basin of a Roman thermal bath, used by the Roman troops for recreation. There is a speculation, that Christians lived here already during the late Roman times. It is proven that this place was a Christian center during the time of the early missionaries. Only about 12kms north is Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Bavarian monastery founded by iro-scottish monks in 617 - and there may have been connections to Goegging. The northern portal of St. Andreas is so elaborate, that this church must have been important during the 12th century. The entrance is flanked by two small lions, guarding the door. The portal so outstanding, it has been connected to the "Magistri Comacini" from Northern Italy, but the style seen here is rather rough. The Lombardic master masons mostly carved in a more elegant, softer style (eg Koenigslutter). There are many "interpretations" of all the different icons found here. There are 14 framed reliefs in Bad Goegging. Peter Leuschner ("Romanische Kirchen in Bayern") refers to late Dr. J. Reichart, an archeologist from nearby Ingolstadt, who divided them in to three groups. Following Dr. Reichart, seven carvings illustrate the seven deadly sins, three depicts scene from the Old and four scenes of the New Testament. I am not completely sure about these interpretations. This is the left side of the portal.

The former parish church St. Andreas in Bad Goegging has a very winding and interesting history. This is the second church here. The predecessing one was built once over the basin of a Roman thermal bath, used by the Roman troops for recreation. There is a speculation, that Christians lived here already during the late Roman times. It is proven that this place was a Christian center during the time of the early missionaries. Only about 12kms north is Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Bavarian monastery founded by iro-scottish monks in 617 - and there may have been connections to Goegging. The northern portal of St. Andreas is so elaborate, that this church must have been important during the 12th century. The entrance is flanked by two small lions, guarding the door. The portal so outstanding, it has been connected to the "Magistri Comacini" from Northern Italy, but the style seen here is rather rough. The Lombardic master masons mostly carved in a more elegant, softer style (eg Koenigslutter). There are many "interpretations" of all the different icons found here. There are 14 framed reliefs in Bad Goegging. Peter Leuschner ("Romanische Kirchen in Bayern") refers to late Dr. J. Reichart, an archeologist from nearby Ingolstadt, who divided them in to three groups. Following Dr. Reichart, seven carvings illustrate the seven deadly sins, three depicts scene from the Old and four scenes of the New Testament. I am not completely sure about these interpretations. This is the carvings just over the lion´s head on the right side of the portal. Just like the carving on the left side it has two frames. The right one depicts a mermaid (or is it a siren?), while the left one has a person with a bulbous nose. The person looks like a dwarf, but the hood my be part of a monk´s habit.

In the center of Modena, where the Duomo di Modena (aka "Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Geminiano") is placed, churches have existed since the 5th century. After the burial site of Modena's patron Saint Geminianus, a former bishop (+397), was dicovered here, the existing cathedral seemed to small. The first stone laying for the cathedral of today took place in May 1099, strongly supported by Matilde di Canossa (aka "Matilda of Tuscany"). First architect was Master Lanfranco, described as "maestro ingenio clarus [...] doctus et aptus". The Duomo di Modena was consecrated in 1184, but the building process continued. It was finally completed in 1322. The large Gothic rose-window was added in the 13th century by Anselmo da Campione and his workshop called the "Maestri Campionesi". They all originated in from the Lake Como area, where so many gifted sculptors and architects, known as "Magistri Comacini" came from. The campanile ("Torre Ghirlandina") stands at 86 metres. The structure was set up in 1179 on five floors, but was raised in the following two centuries with the introduction of the octagonal tip.

A Benedictian monastery was founded by Hiberno-Scottish monks in Regensburg already around 1070. Soon after, the convent moved to a place just outside the city walls and in started to erect first buildings. The first church, consecrated in 1120, was of such a poor workmanship, that the convent decided to tear it down (except one apse and the flanking towers) and restart the process. The church of today was completed before 1200. It is one of the most important Romanesque structures in Bavaria. The abbey was a hub for the Irish/Scottish mission to central Europe. Daughter establishments of St. Jakob were founded in Vienna (1155), Erfurt (1136), Wuerzburg (1138), Nuremberg (1140), Constance (1142), Eichstaett (1148), Memmingen (1178), Kiev (!) (late 12th century) and Kelheim (13th century). WHile the first monks and abbots were Irish, the Scottish period started after the Reformation with Scottish abbot Ninian Vincet (1577-1592). A century later Scottish priests were educated here to do missionary work back in Scotland. Abbot Benedikt Aburthnot (1737-1820) could avoid the secularisation in 1802 by making clear, that the monastery was a Scottish (not at all Bavarian!) national treasure. It took upto 1814 to incorporate the Scottish monastery into the Bavarian sovereignty. Monastic life finally ended here in 1862, when the buildings were taken over by the bishop, who 10 years later founded a still existing seminary here. The northern portal ("Schottenportal") is one of the most important (and largest) Romanesque works of art in Germany. It occupies a third of the church´s northern wall and is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically, plus a small frieze that tops the central arch (the vertical center). While most authors reckon, that Irish masters created this portal, Marcel Durliat sees parallels to works in Northern Italy, created by the Comacine masters ("Magistri Comacini"). He even connects this portal to the carvings in Linden and Remagen. The interpretation of such a large and cryptic portal has been controversial since the beginning, what means the 19th century, as only since then Romanesque carvings were seen as works of art (mostly). There was even a theory claiming that such a carving could not have been done during the 12th/13th century, and that it probably was added to the church later. The time of origin is not disputed any longer, but the meaning of figures and symbols. Richard Strobel ("Romanik in Altbayern") has no hard facts, but found out, that left (eastern) side stands for the "Good", while the right side stands for the "Evil". This meanwhile is undisputed. A detail from the rigt side. As seen on the previous shot: the crocodile and the hydrus (snake), what may stand as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ. Following the story from the Physiologus, the crocodile rolls the hydrus in mud, before eating it. Once inside the crocodile's stomach, the hydrus would burst free - and kill the crocodile "from inside". Below these two mythical creatures, and so probably in the hell´s lowest level are three persons/souls - and a (weathered) mermaid. The trio is well dressed, has short hair (tonsure?) and holds books. So they may be well educated monks, but obviously they followed the mermaid into a sinful life - and so their souls ended here. In front a weathered lion. The lion´s paws rest on the shoulders of a small human. He will be devoured by the lion within short.

A Benedictian monastery was founded by Hiberno-Scottish monks in Regensburg already around 1070. Soon after, the convent moved to a place just outside the city walls and in started to erect first buildings. The first church, consecrated in 1120, was of such a poor workmanship, that the convent decided to tear it down (except one apse and the flanking towers) and restart the process. The church of today was completed before 1200. It is one of the most important Romanesque structures in Bavaria. The abbey was a hub for the Irish/Scottish mission to central Europe. Daughter establishments of St. Jakob were founded in Vienna (1155), Erfurt (1136), Wuerzburg (1138), Nuremberg (1140), Constance (1142), Eichstaett (1148), Memmingen (1178), Kiev (!) (late 12th century) and Kelheim (13th century). WHile the first monks and abbots were Irish, the Scottish period started after the Reformation with Scottish abbot Ninian Vincet (1577-1592). A century later Scottish priests were educated here to do missionary work back in Scotland. Abbot Benedikt Aburthnot (1737-1820) could avoid the secularisation in 1802 by making clear, that the monastery was a Scottish (not at all Bavarian!) national treasure. It took upto 1814 to incorporate the Scottish monastery into the Bavarian sovereignty. Monastic life finally ended here in 1862, when the buildings were taken over by the bishop, who 10 years later founded a still existing seminary here. The northern portal ("Schottenportal") is one of the most important (and largest) Romanesque works of art in Germany. It occupies a third of the church´s northern wall and is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically, plus a small frieze that tops the central arch (the vertical center). While most authors reckon, that Irish masters created this portal, Marcel Durliat sees parallels to works in Northern Italy, created by the Comacine masters ("Magistri Comacini"). He even connects this portal to the carvings in Linden and Remagen. The interpretation of such a large and cryptic portal has been controversial since the beginning, what means the 19th century, as only since then Romanesque carvings were seen as works of art (mostly). There was even a theory claiming that such a carving could not have been done during the 12th/13th century, and that it probably was added to the church later. The time of origin is not disputed any longer, but the meaning of figures and symbols. Richard Strobel ("Romanik in Altbayern") has no hard facts, but found out, that left (eastern) side stands for the "Good", while the right side stands for the "Evil". This meanwhile is undisputed. Seen on the previous upload was the left side, here is the rightside. Where three human heads (and a ball) under the arches were left, here are four animal heads (probably lions). If the figures on the left stand for virtues, these figures may stand for vices. Three of these caryatids are men (have beards), one is a woman. The lady holds two snakes - and is widely interpreted as a Luxuria, a symbol of evil lust. I have seen many Luxurias, all of them were nude, breastfeeding snakes or toads, so I doubt that interpretation, but cannot offer any other.. I will upload a close up of the "Luxuria" next.

A Benedictian monastery was founded by Hiberno-Scottish monks in Regensburg already around 1070. Soon after, the convent moved to a place just outside the city walls and in started to erect first buildings. The first church, consecrated in 1120, was of such a poor workmanship, that the convent decided to tear it down (except one apse and the flanking towers) and restart the process. The church of today was completed before 1200. It is one of the most important Romanesque structures in Bavaria. The abbey was a hub for the Irish/Scottish mission to central Europe. Daughter establishments of St. Jakob were founded in Vienna (1155), Erfurt (1136), Wuerzburg (1138), Nuremberg (1140), Constance (1142), Eichstaett (1148), Memmingen (1178), Kiev (!) (late 12th century) and Kelheim (13th century). WHile the first monks and abbots were Irish, the Scottish period started after the Reformation with Scottish abbot Ninian Vincet (1577-1592). A century later Scottish priests were educated here to do missionary work back in Scotland. Abbot Benedikt Aburthnot (1737-1820) could avoid the secularisation in 1802 by making clear, that the monastery was a Scottish (not at all Bavarian!) national treasure. It took upto 1814 to incorporate the Scottish monastery into the Bavarian sovereignty. Monastic life finally ended here in 1862, when the buildings were taken over by the bishop, who 10 years later founded a still existing seminary here. The northern portal ("Schottenportal") is one of the most important (and largest) Romanesque works of art in Germany. It occupies a third of the church´s northern wall and is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically, plus a small frieze that tops the central arch (the vertical center). While most authors reckon, that Irish masters created this portal, Marcel Durliat sees parallels to works in Northern Italy, created by the Comacine masters ("Magistri Comacini"). He even connects this portal to the carvings in Linden and Remagen. I doubt that.. Multiple semicircular archivolts form the arch, below the frieze, just seen. The tympanum depicts Christ in a blessing gesture flanked by Saint James and Saint John, who holds up an open bible. The entrance is guarded by a pride of lions. Five male lions are on the pillars to the right, five female lions are on the pillars to the left.

A Benedictian monastery was founded by Hiberno-Scottish monks in Regensburg already around 1070. Soon after, the convent moved to a place just outside the city walls and in started to erect first buildings. The first church, consecrated in 1120, was of such a poor workmanship, that the convent decided to tear it down (except one apse and the flanking towers) and restart the process. The church of today was completed before 1200. It is one of the most important Romanesque structures in Bavaria. The abbey was a hub for the Irish/Scottish mission to central Europe. Daughter establishments of St. Jakob were founded in Vienna (1155), Erfurt (1136), Wuerzburg (1138), Nuremberg (1140), Constance (1142), Eichstaett (1148), Memmingen (1178), Kiev (!) (late 12th century) and Kelheim (13th century). WHile the first monks and abbots were Irish, the Scottish period started after the Reformation with Scottish abbot Ninian Vincet (1577-1592). A century later Scottish priests were educated here to do missionary work back in Scotland. Abbot Benedikt Aburthnot (1737-1820) could avoid the secularisation in 1802 by making clear, that the monastery was a Scottish (not at all Bavarian!) national treasure. It took upto 1814 to incorporate the Scottish monastery into the Bavarian sovereignty. Monastic life finally ended here in 1862, when the buildings were taken over by the bishop, who 10 years later founded a still existing seminary here. The northern portal ("Schottenportal") is one of the most important (and largest) Romanesque works of art in Germany. It occupies about a third of the church´s northern wall and is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically, plus a small frieze that tops the central arch (the vertical center). While most authors reckon, that Irish masters created this portal, Marcel Durliat sees parallels to works in Northern Italy, created by the Comacine masters ("Magistri Comacini"). He even connects this portal to the carvings in Linden and Remagen. I doubt that.. The dimensions of the protective glass pavillion (and the limited features if my camera) made it impossible to get the portal "in toto" on one picture. The previous shot was done from the right, this one was done frm the left side of the portal.

A Benedictian monastery was founded by Hiberno-Scottish monks in Regensburg already around 1070. Soon after, the convent moved to a place just outside the city walls and in started to erect first buildings. The first church, consecrated in 1120, was of such a poor workmanship, that the convent decided to tear it down (except one apse and the flanking towers) and restart the process. The church of today was completed before 1200. It is one of the most important Romanesque structures in Bavaria. The abbey was a hub for the Irish/Scottish mission to central Europe. Daughter establishments of St. Jakob were founded in Vienna (1155), Erfurt (1136), Wuerzburg (1138), Nuremberg (1140), Constance (1142), Eichstaett (1148), Memmingen (1178), Kiev (!) (late 12th century) and Kelheim (13th century). WHile the first monks and abbots were Irish, the Scottish period started after the Reformation with Scottish abbot Ninian Vincet (1577-1592). A century later Scottish priests were educated here to do missionary work back in Scotland. Abbot Benedikt Aburthnot (1737-1820) could avoid the secularisation in 1802 by making clear, that the monastery was a Scottish (not at all Bavarian!) national treasure. It took upto 1814 to incorporate the Scottish monastery into the Bavarian sovereignty. Monastic life finally ended here in 1862, when the buildings were taken over by the bishop, who 10 years later founded a still existing seminary here. The northern portal ("Schottenportal") is one of the most important (and largest) Romanesque works of art in Germany. It occupies a third of the church´s northern wall and is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically, plus a small frieze that tops the central arch (the vertical center). While most authors reckon, that Irish masters created this portal, Marcel Durliat sees parallels to works in Northern Italy, created by the Comacine masters ("Magistri Comacini"). He even connects this portal to the carvings in Linden and Remagen. The interpretation of such a large and cryptic portal has been controversial since the beginning, what means the 19th century, as only since then Romanesque carvings were seen as works of art (mostly). There was even a theory claiming that such a carving could not have been done during the 12th/13th century, and that it probably was added to the church later. The time of origin is not disputed any longer, but the meaning of figures and symbols. Richard Strobel ("Romanik in Altbayern") has no hard facts, but found out, that left (eastern) side stands for the "Good", while the right side stands for the "Evil". This meanwhile is undisputed. This is another detail the from the left side. This is the couple right of the Virgin (see Jesus´ head and hand). At first I saw a beard-puller, but that is totally wrong. The close-up shows a loving couple in a very intimate gesture (for that time!). While she fingers the back of his neck, he strokes her under the chin.

A Benedictian monastery was founded by Hiberno-Scottish monks in Regensburg already around 1070. Soon after, the convent moved to a place just outside the city walls and in started to erect first buildings. The first church, consecrated in 1120, was of such a poor workmanship, that the convent decided to tear it down (except one apse and the flanking towers) and restart the process. The church of today was completed before 1200. It is one of the most important Romanesque structures in Bavaria. The abbey was a hub for the Irish/Scottish mission to central Europe. Daughter establishments of St. Jakob were founded in Vienna (1155), Erfurt (1136), Wuerzburg (1138), Nuremberg (1140), Constance (1142), Eichstaett (1148), Memmingen (1178), Kiev (!) (late 12th century) and Kelheim (13th century). WHile the first monks and abbots were Irish, the Scottish period started after the Reformation with Scottish abbot Ninian Vincet (1577-1592). A century later Scottish priests were educated here to do missionary work back in Scotland. Abbot Benedikt Aburthnot (1737-1820) could avoid the secularisation in 1802 by making clear, that the monastery was a Scottish (not at all Bavarian!) national treasure. It took upto 1814 to incorporate the Scottish monastery into the Bavarian sovereignty. Monastic life finally ended here in 1862, when the buildings were taken over by the bishop, who 10 years later founded a still existing seminary here. The northern portal ("Schottenportal") is one of the most important (and largest) Romanesque works of art in Germany. It occupies a third of the church´s northern wall and is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically, plus a small frieze that tops the central arch (the vertical center). While most authors reckon, that Irish masters created this portal, Marcel Durliat sees parallels to works in Northern Italy, created by the Comacine masters ("Magistri Comacini"). He even connects this portal to the carvings in Linden and Remagen. The interpretation of such a large and cryptic portal has been controversial since the beginning, what means the 19th century, as only since then Romanesque carvings were seen as works of art (mostly). There was even a theory claiming that such a carving could not have been done during the 12th/13th century, and that it probably was added to the church later. The time of origin is not disputed any longer, but the meaning of figures and symbols. Richard Strobel ("Romanik in Altbayern") has no hard facts, but found out, that left (eastern) side stands for the "Good", while the right side stands for the "Evil". This meanwhile is undisputed. This is the largest "third" of the left side. In the center a (headless) Virgin, having Christ on her lap. She holds an apple in her hand, a symbol of the "New Eve". The Virgin flanked by two mythical pairs. The left couple seems to be floating. The right person is bearded and wears two braids.The couple to the right seems to be in a beardpulling gesture, but is not. The left person is female (long braids) - and her husband (beard) obviously strokes her under the chin. Above them are (under the arches) two dogs - not three. Below them a large winged dragon, devouring a lion. In the center, below the dragon is a mermaids (note the tails), placed on a very weathered lion - and to the right another person riding a weathered lion.

A Benedictian monastery was founded by Hiberno-Scottish monks in Regensburg already around 1070. Soon after, the convent moved to a place just outside the city walls and in started to erect first buildings. The first church, consecrated in 1120, was of such a poor workmanship, that the convent decided to tear it down (except one apse and the flanking towers) and restart the process. The church of today was completed before 1200. It is one of the most important Romanesque structures in Bavaria. The abbey was a hub for the Irish/Scottish mission to central Europe. Daughter establishments of St. Jakob were founded in Vienna (1155), Erfurt (1136), Wuerzburg (1138), Nuremberg (1140), Constance (1142), Eichstaett (1148), Memmingen (1178), Kiev (!) (late 12th century) and Kelheim (13th century). While the first monks and abbots were Irish, the Scottish period started after the Reformation with Scottish abbot Ninian Vincet (1577-1592). A century later Scottish priests were educated here to do missionary work back in Scotland. Abbot Benedikt Aburthnot (1737-1820) could avoid the secularisation in 1802 by making clear, that the monastery was a Scottish (not at all Bavarian!) national treasure. It took upto 1814 to incorporate the Scottish monastery into the Bavarian sovereignty. Monastic life finally ended here in 1862, when the buildings were taken over by the bishop, who 10 years later founded a still existing seminary here. The northern portal ("Schottenportal") is one of the most important (and largest) Romanesque works of art in Germany. It occupies a third of the churchÂŽs northern wall and is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically, plus a small frieze that tops the central arch (the vertical center). While most authors reckon, that Irish masters created this portal, Marcel Durliat sees parallels to works in Northern Italy, created by the Comacine masters ("Magistri Comacini"). He even connects this portal to the carvings in Linden and Remagen. The interpretation of such a large and cryptic portal has been controversial since the beginning, what means the 19th century, as only since then Romanesque carvings were seen as works of art (mostly). There was even a theory claiming that such a carving could not have been done during the 12th/13th century, and that it probably was added to the church later. The time of origin is not disputed any longer, but the meaning of figures and symbols. Richard Strobel ("Romanik in Altbayern") has no hard facts, but found out, that left (eastern) side stands for the "Good", while the right side stands for the "Evil". This meanwhile is undisputed. A detail from the right (evil) side. This is a close up of the strange quadruped animal left to the Antichrist. It has a kind of mane and a beak-like mouth. I had the impression, that this may be a chimare, but I learned from Ray, that this is probably an assirian griffin. See below..

A Benedictian monastery was founded by Hiberno-Scottish monks in Regensburg already around 1070. Soon after, the convent moved to a place just outside the city walls and in started to erect first buildings. The first church, consecrated in 1120, was of such a poor workmanship, that the convent decided to tear it down (except one apse and the flanking towers) and restart the process. The church of today was completed before 1200. It is one of the most important Romanesque structures in Bavaria. The abbey was a hub for the Irish/Scottish mission to central Europe. Daughter establishments of St. Jakob were founded in Vienna (1155), Erfurt (1136), Wuerzburg (1138), Nuremberg (1140), Constance (1142), Eichstaett (1148), Memmingen (1178), Kiev (!) (late 12th century) and Kelheim (13th century). WHile the first monks and abbots were Irish, the Scottish period started after the Reformation with Scottish abbot Ninian Vincet (1577-1592). A century later Scottish priests were educated here to do missionary work back in Scotland. Abbot Benedikt Aburthnot (1737-1820) could avoid the secularisation in 1802 by making clear, that the monastery was a Scottish (not at all Bavarian!) national treasure. It took upto 1814 to incorporate the Scottish monastery into the Bavarian sovereignty. Monastic life finally ended here in 1862, when the buildings were taken over by the bishop, who 10 years later founded a still existing seminary here. The northern portal ("Schottenportal") is one of the most important (and largest) Romanesque works of art in Germany. It occupies a third of the church´s northern wall and is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically, plus a small frieze that tops the central arch (the vertical center). While most authors reckon, that Irish masters created this portal, Marcel Durliat sees parallels to works in Northern Italy, created by the Comacine masters ("Magistri Comacini"). He even connects this portal to the carvings in Linden and Remagen. I doubt that.. The right side of the center has five snarling, fierce looking male lions, all having manes. The pillars are elaborately decorated with foliage. The middle-pillar has a bird, pecking grapes, just under the capital, from where a person looks down. There are three persons seen between the pillars (on their knees). The left one may be an acrobat, the middle, bearded one is a musician, playing a small string instrument. The right one, dressed in a kind of cape, holds his hands on his stomach.

A Benedictian monastery was founded by Hiberno-Scottish monks in Regensburg already around 1070. Soon after, the convent moved to a place just outside the city walls and in started to erect first buildings. The first church, consecrated in 1120, was of such a poor workmanship, that the convent decided to tear it down (except one apse and the flanking towers) and restart the process. The church of today was completed before 1200. It is one of the most important Romanesque structures in Bavaria. The abbey was a hub for the Irish/Scottish mission to central Europe. Daughter establishments of St. Jakob were founded in Vienna (1155), Erfurt (1136), Wuerzburg (1138), Nuremberg (1140), Constance (1142), Eichstaett (1148), Memmingen (1178), Kiev (!) (late 12th century) and Kelheim (13th century). WHile the first monks and abbots were Irish, the Scottish period started after the Reformation with Scottish abbot Ninian Vincet (1577-1592). A century later Scottish priests were educated here to do missionary work back in Scotland. Abbot Benedikt Aburthnot (1737-1820) could avoid the secularisation in 1802 by making clear, that the monastery was a Scottish (not at all Bavarian!) national treasure. It took upto 1814 to incorporate the Scottish monastery into the Bavarian sovereignty. Monastic life finally ended here in 1862, when the buildings were taken over by the bishop, who 10 years later founded a still existing seminary here. The northern portal ("Schottenportal") is one of the most important (and largest) Romanesque works of art in Germany. It occupies a third of the church´s northern wall and is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically, plus a small frieze that tops the central arch (the vertical center). While most authors reckon, that Irish masters created this portal, Marcel Durliat sees parallels to works in Northern Italy, created by the Comacine masters ("Magistri Comacini"). He even connects this portal to the carvings in Linden and Remagen. I doubt that.. The interpretation of such a large and cryptic portal has been controversial since the beginning, what means the 19th century, as only since then Romanesque carvings were seen as works of art (mostly). There was even a theory claiming that such a carving could not have been done during the 12th/13th century, and that it probably was added to the church later. The time of origin is not disputed any longer, but the meaning of figures and symbols. Richard Strobel ("Romanik in Altbayern") has no hard facts, but found out, that left (eastern) side stands for the "Good", while the right side stands for the "Evil". This meanwhile is undisputed. This is from the left side - and the figures may stand for virtues. The remind me on early drawings of native Americans, but that can´t be. Note the three human heads under the arches. They all have very curly hair and seem to be more "vivid", than the stoic looking caryatids below them. Next upload will have the same position of the right side.