Equestrian Portrait of Charlemagne or Charles the Bald

Overview

• Small bronze statuette (9.5 inches in height)
• From the Carolingian period (9th century)
• Uncertainty if it's Charlemagne or his grandson, Charles the Bald
• Interpretation consistent with Carolingian art characteristics

Carolingian Art

• Emphasis on Roman tradition
• Charlemagne's goal: connect Carolingian Empire to the Roman Empire
• Represents spiritual inheritance from the Romans

Comparisons to Roman Art

• Equestrian statues in Roman tradition
• Comparison to equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius
  • Marcus Aurelius statue: 11.5 feet (large scale)
  • Charlemagne's statuette: less than a foot (small scale)
• Both emperors depicted on horseback
• Depictions use exaggerated scale to show power and importance

Scale and Artistic Abilities

• Charlemagne's statue is significantly smaller than Marcus Aurelius' statue
• Roman Empire: highly skilled artisans, centuries of tradition
• Carolingian period: post-collapse of Roman Empire in the West
  • Decentralized governments led to smaller, detailed art
  • Highly skilled artisans remained, despite smaller-scale works

Interpretation of Charlemagne's Depiction

• Likely Charlemagne on parade
  • Wearing crown, imperial robes, holding orb (symbolizes world domination)
  • Not depicted in battle (no armor)
  • Ceremonial portrait

Purpose and Symbolism

• Further connects Carolingian Empire to Roman Empire
• Inspired by and trying to copy Roman art
• Uses bronze to create a visual culture linking back to Roman traditions

Museum Display

• Statuette is on display in a museum, exemplifying its historical and cultural significance