Thanks to Charlemagne, religious reform and cultural revival swept 9th-century Europe. We call this period “Carolingian.”
Carolingian art: c. 780 – 900
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
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 ...
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
Few medieval book covers survive. This bejeweled example depicts the crucified Christ and comes from Charlemagne’s workshop.
Lindau Gospels cover
Flat figures, linear drapery, and jewel tones make these mosaics pop. Why the square halo?
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