Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Totentanz

Atri was known as Hadria, when the Romans founded a colony here in 282BC. Actually Roman emperor Hadrian's family originally derived from this place. After the fall of the Roman Imperium, the Lombards established hegemony over the area in the 6th century and Atri got annexed to the Duchy of Spoleto. The Lombards were displaced by the Normans, whose noble House of Acquaviva family ruled the town from about 1393, before merging their lands into the Kingdom of Naples in 1757. The present cathedral has several predecessor buildings, that were founded in the ruins of a Roman thermal from the 2nd century. It was consecrated in 1223. Reconstructions occurred during the following two centuries. The sober white stone façade has a large portal designed by Raimondo del Poggio and Rainaldo d'Atri between 1288 and 1305. The interior of the cathedral was once covered with frescoes. Some were rediscovered in the 19th and 20th centuries under a thick layer of plaster. From the 13th century comes "The Meeting of the Three Living and the Three Dead." The story goes back to a legend that tells how three noblemen meet three dead while hunting. The living are on the right (with horses and servants). On the left side are the dead. Two skeletons are standing, the third is just coming out of the coffin. The motif is a "Memento Mori", which found its climax in the many "Danse Macabre" (Dance of Death) in the times of the plague.

Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is situated on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. It is only 80 kilometres south of Helsinki. From the 13th century until the first half of the 20th century Tallinn was known as Reval. The first recorded claim over the place was laid by Denmark after a raid in 1219 led by Valdemar II. In 1227, the Order of the Brothers of the Sword conquered Reval and three years later recruited 200 Westphalian and Lower Saxon merchants from Gotland, who settled below the castle and were granted freedom of customs and land. In 1238 Reval fell back to Denmark, Under renewed Danish rule, the city rapidly grew in size and economic importance. In 1248, the Danish king granted it the Lübische Stadtrecht (town charter). Due to the strategic location, its port became a significant trade hub, especially in the 14–16th centuries when Tallinn grew in importance as the northernmost member city of the Hanseatic League. The king of Denmark sold Reval along with other land possessions in northern Estonia to the Teutonic Knights in 1346. The "Niguliste kirik" (St. Nicholas Church) was founded and built around 1230–1275 by Westphalian merchants. In 1405–1420 the church obtained its current late Gothic appearance. In 1515 the tower was built higher and in late 17th century, it got a Baroque spire with airy galleries, which was raised higher stage by stage through several centuries. The tower is now 105 metres (344.5 ft) high. Saint Nicholas was the only church in Tallinn that remained untouched by iconoclasm brought by the Protestant Reformation in 1523. The church was converted to a Lutheran congregation in the 16th century. In 1944, the church was severely damaged by bombing. The resulting fire turned the church into ruins and destroyed most of its interior. Most art treasures survived thanks to their timely evacuation from the church. The renovation of the church started in 1953 and was completely finished in 1981. The church tower was again damaged by a fire in October 1982. The tower was burnt out. After a restoration the church was inaugurated in 1984 as a museum and concert hall. The icon Dance of Death / Danse macabre got popular under the impression of the Black Death. The first one may have been created in the abbey of La Chaise-Dieu (Auvergne) around 1410. Soon later similar murals were done in Paris (1424), Basel (1439) and Lübeck (1460). The "Lübecker Totentanz" is attributed to Bernt Notke. The frieze extended as a continuous picture wall over a length of almost 30 metres. The fragment of the Lübeck Dance of Death in Tallinn still shows 13 figures today. Researchers have long argued about its origin. Today, however, the consensus is that this is the fragment of a later (around 1500) replica made by Notke himself for Tallinn. In Lübeck, the Dance of Death was in such poor condition in 1701 that a copy was made. This was destroyed by fire caused by bombs during WWII.

Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is situated on the shore of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. It is only 80 kilometres south of Helsinki. From the 13th century until the first half of the 20th century Tallinn was known as Reval. The first recorded claim over the place was laid by Denmark after a raid in 1219 led by Valdemar II. In 1227, the Order of the Brothers of the Sword conquered Reval and three years later recruited 200 Westphalian and Lower Saxon merchants from Gotland, who settled below the castle and were granted freedom of customs and land. In 1238 Reval fell back to Denmark, Under renewed Danish rule, the city rapidly grew in size and economic importance. In 1248, the Danish king granted it the Lübische Stadtrecht (town charter). Due to the strategic location, its port became a significant trade hub, especially in the 14–16th centuries when Tallinn grew in importance as the northernmost member city of the Hanseatic League. The king of Denmark sold Reval along with other land possessions in northern Estonia to the Teutonic Knights in 1346. The "Niguliste kirik" (St. Nicholas Church) was founded and built around 1230–1275 by Westphalian merchants. In 1405–1420 the church obtained its current late Gothic appearance. In 1515 the tower was built higher and in late 17th century, it got a Baroque spire with airy galleries, which was raised higher stage by stage through several centuries. The tower is now 105 metres (344.5 ft) high. Saint Nicholas was the only church in Tallinn that remained untouched by iconoclasm brought by the Protestant Reformation in 1523. The church was converted to a Lutheran congregation in the 16th century. In 1944, the church was severely damaged by bombing. The resulting fire turned the church into ruins and destroyed most of its interior. Most art treasures survived thanks to their timely evacuation from the church. The renovation of the church started in 1953 and was completely finished in 1981. The church tower was again damaged by a fire in October 1982. The tower was burnt out. After a restoration the church was inaugurated in 1984 as a museum and concert hall. The icon Dance of Death / Danse macabre got popular under the impression of the Black Death. The first one may have been created in the abbey of La Chaise-Dieu (Auvergne) around 1410. Soon later similar murals were done in Paris (1424), Basel (1439) and Lübeck (1460). The "Lübecker Totentanz" is attributed to Bernt Notke. The frieze extended as a continuous picture wall over a length of almost 30 metres. The fragment of the Lübeck Dance of Death in Tallinn still shows 13 figures today. Researchers have long argued about its origin. Today, however, the consensus is that this is the fragment of a later (around 1500) replica made by Notke himself for Tallinn. In Lübeck, the Dance of Death was in such poor condition in 1701 that a copy was made. This was destroyed by fire caused by bombs during WWII.

La Chaise-Dieu was founded in 1043 by Robert de Turlande. It was named "Casa Dei", from which La Chaise-Dieu developed. From the 11th to the 13th century, the abbey experienced rapid and significant development. When the founder died in 1067, already 300 monks lived here. In the Auvergne La Chaise-Dieu gained importance similar to that of the Burgundian Cluny Abbey. The abbey received many donations from noble families and administered 42 daughter monasteries. Popes who visited the abbey include Urban II, Calixt II, Alexander III. and Innocent II. In 1342, Pierre Roger, who had lived as a monk in La Chaise-Dieu, became Pope in Avignon under the name Clement VI. He financed a new building of the abbey church, in which he was finally buried. The building was completed in 1378 under the pontificate of Gregory XI, a nephew of Clement VI. Since 1516 La Chaise-Dieu, like most other French abbeys, became "in commendam" so the commendatory abbot drew the revenue of the monastery but without fulfilling the duties of the abbot or even residing at the monastery. Calvinist troops looted the abbey in August 1562. After most of the monastery buildings were destroyed by fire in 1695, they were rebuilt by the monks in the decades that followed. In 1786, Cardinal de Rohan, who was involved in the "Affair of the Diamond Necklace" was exiled to La Chaise-Dieu. While the abbey had 40 monks at that time, religious life ended at the beginning of the French Revolution. La Chaise-Dieu is known for the "Danse Macabre" fresco, dated ~ 1450. In three panels 23 living persons, representing the medieval society, are invited to "dance" the invitation to death with the skeletons around them. The artistic from of the "Dance of the Death" arose from the calamities of the 13th and 14th century. The plague, named "Black Death", forced so many people into this dance. The monk wears a pair of glasses! Pretty early!

La Chaise-Dieu was founded in 1043 by Robert de Turlande. It was named "Casa Dei", from which La Chaise-Dieu developed. From the 11th to the 13th century, the abbey experienced rapid and significant development. When the founder died in 1067, already 300 monks lived here. In the Auvergne La Chaise-Dieu gained importance similar to that of the Burgundian Cluny Abbey. The abbey received many donations from noble families and administered 42 daughter monasteries. Popes who visited the abbey include Urban II, Calixt II, Alexander III. and Innocent II. In 1342, Pierre Roger, who had lived as a monk in La Chaise-Dieu, became Pope in Avignon under the name Clement VI. He financed a new building of the abbey church, in which he was finally buried. The building was completed in 1378 under the pontificate of Gregory XI, a nephew of Clement VI. Since 1516 La Chaise-Dieu, like most other French abbeys, became "in commendam" so the commendatory abbot drew the revenue of the monastery but without fulfilling the duties of the abbot or even residing at the monastery. Calvinist troops looted the abbey in August 1562. After most of the monastery buildings were destroyed by fire in 1695, they were rebuilt by the monks in the decades that followed. In 1786, Cardinal de Rohan, who was involved in the "Affair of the Diamond Necklace" was exiled to La Chaise-Dieu. While the abbey had 40 monks at that time, religious life ended at the beginning of the French Revolution. La Chaise-Dieu is known for the "Danse Macabre" fresco. In three panels 23 living persons, representing the medieval society, are invited to "dance" the invitation to death with the skeletons around them. The artistic from of the "Dance of the Death" arose from the calamities of the 13th and 14th century. The plague, named "Black Death", forced so many people into this dance. Even the Pope, wearing a tiara, the Bishop, the Emporer and his spouse - all have to dance.

La Chaise-Dieu was founded in 1043 by Robert de Turlande. It was named "Casa Dei", from which La Chaise-Dieu developed. From the 11th to the 13th century, the abbey experienced rapid and significant development. When the founder died in 1067, already 300 monks lived here. In the Auvergne La Chaise-Dieu gained importance similar to that of the Burgundian Cluny Abbey. The abbey received many donations from noble families and administered 42 daughter monasteries. Popes who visited the abbey include Urban II, Calixt II, Alexander III. and Innocent II. In 1342, Pierre Roger, who had lived as a monk in La Chaise-Dieu, became Pope in Avignon under the name Clement VI. He financed a new building of the abbey church, in which he was finally buried. The building was completed in 1378 under the pontificate of Gregory XI, a nephew of Clement VI. Since 1516 La Chaise-Dieu, like most other French abbeys, became "in commendam" so the commendatory abbot drew the revenue of the monastery but without fulfilling the duties of the abbot or even residing at the monastery. Calvinist troops looted the abbey in August 1562. After most of the monastery buildings were destroyed by fire in 1695, they were rebuilt by the monks in the decades that followed. In 1786, Cardinal de Rohan, who was involved in the "Affair of the Diamond Necklace" was exiled to La Chaise-Dieu. While the abbey had 40 monks at that time, religious life ended at the beginning of the French Revolution. La Chaise-Dieu is known for the "Danse Macabre" fresco. In three panels 23 living persons, representing the medieval society, are invited to "dance" the invitation to death with the skeletons around them. The artistic from of the "Dance of the Death" arose from the calamities of the 13th and 14th century. The plague, named "Black Death", forced so many people into this dance.

The fortified parish church of Metnitz, first mentioned in 1121, is best known for its Karner (ossuary) - and the Totentanz (= "Dance of Death", "Danse Macabre"), a fresco that runs all around the octagonal building. The frescoes were done around 1500. In 1970 the original frescoes were removed from the wall and are now save in the local "Totentanzmuseum", next to the church. Since 1989 copies of the originals are seen around the Karner.

The fortified parish church of Metnitz, first mentioned in 1121, is best known for its Karner (ossuary) - and the Totentanz (= "Dance of Death", "Danse Macabre"), a fresco that runs all around the octagonal building. The frescoes were done around 1500. In 1970 the original frescoes were removed from the wall and are now save in the local "Totentanzmuseum", next to the church. Since 1989 copies of the originals are seen around the Karner.

The fortified parish church of Metnitz, first mentioned in 1121, is best known for its Karner (ossuary) - and the Totentanz (= "Dance of Death", "Danse Macabre"), a fresco that runs all around the octagonal building. The frescoes were done around 1500. In 1970 the original frescoes were removed from the wall and are now save in the local "Totentanzmuseum", next to the church. Since 1989 here are copies of the originals.

The fortified parish church of Metnitz, first mentioned in 1121, is best known for its Karner (ossuary) - and the Totentanz (= "Dance of Death", "Danse Macabre"), a fresco that runs all around the octagonal building. The frescoes were done around 1500. In 1970 the original frescoes were removed from the wall and are now save in the local "Totentanzmuseum", next to the church. Since 1989 here are copies of the originals.

The Kermaria-an-Iskuit chapel has undergone many changes over the centuries. The construction of the oldest existing part is contributed to Henri d'Avaugour (+ 1183), count of Trégor and Goëlo, to give thanks after having returned from a crusade. In the 15th century the porch, seen here, and the transverse chapel were added. During the 19th century the structure was in real danger, when the parish priest wanted to demolish the chapel in order to construct the "modern" village church. The population resisted this plans - and so saved the building. Once this chapel was a place for pilgrimages, as the chapel is dedicated to the worship of "Itron Varia an Iskuit" (Saint Mary of the Healing) and following the local information, a traditional feast is still celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in September. The mural above the arches, partly seen here, depicts a "Dance of Death" ("danse macabre"). The fresco was discovered under the white paint mid 19th. century. The earliest "danse macabre" in France was (now lost) a mural in a cemetery in Paris dating from 1424–25. This one may be 50 or 60 years younger. The complete mural here has 47 dancers.

The Kermaria-an-Iskuit chapel has undergone many changes over the centuries. The construction of the oldest existing part is contributed to Henri d'Avaugour (+ 1183), count of Trégor and Goëlo, to give thanks after having returned from a crusade. In the 15th century the porch, seen here, and the transverse chapel were added. During the 19th century the structure was in real danger, when the parish priest wanted to demolish the chapel in order to construct the "modern" village church. The population resisted this plans - and so saved the building. Once this chapel was a place for pilgrimages, as the chapel is dedicated to the worship of "Itron Varia an Iskuit" (Saint Mary of the Healing) and following the local information, a traditional feast is still celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in September. The western part of the nave dates back to the 13th century. The mural above the arches depicts a "Dance of Death" ("danse macabre"). The fresco was discovered under the white paint mid 19th. century. The earliest "danse macabre" in France was (now lost) a mural in a cemetery in Paris dating from 1424–25. This one may be 50 or 60 years younger.