Carolingian art: c. 780 – 900

Charlemagne, King of the Franks and later Holy Roman Emperor, instigated a cultural revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance that continues to impact the way European languages are written, the structure of modern law and the very notion of Europe itself.

St. Mark from the Godescalc Gospel Lectionary, folio 1v., c. 781-83 — Thanks to Charlemagne, religious reform and cultural revival swept 9th-century Europe. We call this period “Carolingian.”

Carolingian art, an introduction

Charlemagne part 1 — Warrior, politician, reformer—Charlemagne was all three. Crowned emperor in 800, he made northern Europe a center of the Christian world.

Charlemagne (part 1 of 2): An introduction

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

Charlemagne (part 2 of 2): The Carolingian ...

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

Palatine Chapel, Aachen

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

Matthew in the Coronation Gospels and Ebbo ...

Saint Matthew from the Ebbo Gospels (detail) — This expressive illumination depicts St. Matthew at work. He juggles a stylus in one hand and an ink horn in the other.

Saint Matthew from the Ebbo Gospels

Lindau Gospels cover (detail) — Few medieval book covers survive. This bejeweled example depicts the crucified Christ and comes from Charlemagne’s workshop.

Lindau Gospels cover

Mosaics, Santa Prassede, Rome, early 9th century — Flat figures, linear drapery, and jewel tones make these mosaics pop. Why the square halo?

Mosaics, Santa Prassede (Praxedes), Rome