Charlemagne, King of the Franks and later Holy Roman Emperor, instigated a cultural revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance.
780–900 C.E.
Beginner's Guide
What is Carolingian art?
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Palatine Chapel, Aachen
The octagonal plan references earlier churches and symbolizes regeneration. Was Charlemagne’s throne at its center?
Depicting Judaism in a medieval Christian ivory
With two figures representing the Church and the Synagogue, this work demonstrates how Carolingians were negotiating the relationship between Christianity and Judaism
Carolingian art, an introduction
Thanks to Charlemagne, religious reform and cultural revival swept 9th-century Europe. We call this period “Carolingian.”
Charlemagne (part 1 of 2): An introduction
Warrior, politician, reformer—Charlemagne was all three. Crowned emperor in 800, he made northern Europe a center of the Christian world.
Charlemagne (part 2 of 2): The Carolingian revival
Under Charlemagne, literate priests and educated bureaucrats ran a Christian kingdom modeled on ancient Rome.
Matthew in the Coronation Gospels and Ebbo Gospels
Two different portraits—it’s St. Matthew in both, but watch the style change from smooth modeling to frenzied brushwork.
Saint Matthew from the Ebbo Gospels
This expressive illumination depicts St. Matthew at work. He juggles a stylus in one hand and an ink horn in the other.
Lindau Gospels cover
Few medieval book covers survive. This bejeweled example depicts the crucified Christ and comes from Charlemagne’s workshop.
Mosaics, Santa Prassede (Praxedes), Rome
Flat figures, linear drapery, and jewel tones make these mosaics pop. Why the square halo?
