Carolingian and Ottonian Architecture Early Medieval to Carolingian Architecture Early medieval...

Carolingian and Ottonian Architecture

Early Medieval to Carolingian Architecture

• Early medieval architecture was characterized by plain exteriors.

• Entrances became increasingly impressive and elaborate in the Carolingian period and beyond.

• The elaborate entrances - westworks - set the tone for later Romanesque and Gothic facades.

Monasticism

• In a dangerous age, even monks lived in fortified communities.

Monasticism• The abbey church

and the cloisters were the centers of prayer.

• The work center of every monastery was the scriptoria, where manuscripts were written and copied.

Charlemagne’s Palace Complex

The Palatine Chapel - Aachen• During his trip to

Rome, where he was crowned Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne was impressed by the Byzantine church of San Vitale.

• He had his own version of it built in his capital.

Charlemagne’s Palatine Chapel

• This is the best preserved Carolingian building.

• It was designed by Otto of Metz, based on the octagonal plan of San Vitale.

• It is a much more vertical space, however.

The Carolingian RenaissanceThe Palatine Chapel


Bronze Doors Aachen


• Corinthian capitals are used on the columns.

• Supporting piers are of polished granite.

• Charlemagne’s throne is in a gallery above the door and facing the alter.


Charlemagne’s Throne

The Carolingian RenaissanceLorsch Gatehouse

Carolingian ArchitectureLorsch Gatehouse

Germigny-des-PrÉsBuilt for the Bishop of Orleans

Corvey Church, Germany

Corvey Church, Germany

Note the addition of a north and south transept, creating the cruciform shape that was characteristic of later Latin churches.

Transepts

Ottonian Architecture

St. Michael, Hildesheim

• The church was designed by St. Bernward, the Bishop of Hildesheim.

• Interior space is divided up into chancels, transepts and apses, all based on equal squares.

• Towers also cover the crossings.

Ottonian ArchitectureSt. Michael Hildesheim 1010-1033


Apse Apse

Aisle

Aisle

Nave

Transepts

Transepts


Ceiling


Nave Capital


Transepts


Details of Bronze Doors

Doors

Carolingian and Ottonian Architecture Early Medieval to Carolingian Architecture Early medieval...

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