Carolingian art

Charlemagne, King of the Franks and later Holy Roman Emperor, instigated a cultural revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance.

780–900 C.E.

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Thanks to Charlemagne, religious reform and cultural revival swept 9th-century Europe. We call this period “Carolingian.”

Warrior, politician, reformer—Charlemagne was all three. Crowned emperor in 800, he made northern Europe a center of the Christian world.

Under Charlemagne, literate priests and educated bureaucrats ran a Christian kingdom modeled on ancient Rome.

The octagonal plan references earlier churches and symbolizes regeneration. Was Charlemagne’s throne at its center?

Two different portraits—it’s St. Matthew in both, but watch the style change from smooth modeling to frenzied brushwork.

This expressive illumination depicts St. Matthew at work. He juggles a stylus in one hand and an ink horn in the other.

Few medieval book covers survive. This bejeweled example depicts the crucified Christ and comes from Charlemagne’s workshop.

Flat figures, linear drapery, and jewel tones make these mosaics pop. Why the square halo?

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