Carolingian Period and Charlemagne

Introduction

• Focus on the Carolingian period, the era of Charlemagne
• Location: Aachen, Germany - the center of the Holy Roman Empire

Palatine Palace Chapel

• Palace on the left, long processional walkway (gallery), and attached chapel
• Central plan chapel with an apse at the far end
• Entrance flanked by spiral staircases
• Discussed views: plan view, elevation, isometric view, and section view
• Influence of San Vitale in Rome (Byzantine central plan)
• Visual surprise design - altar is hidden until you turn and see everything
• Challenges: Church buried by later buildings

Architectural Elements

• Description of the octagonal structure with dome on drum construction
• Key elements: entrance, apse, altar, long nave, circular central plan, and ceiling details (X shapes)
• Charlemagne's emphasis on interior decoration drawing from Byzantine influences
  • Dome mosaic: Seated Christ, symbols of the Four Evangelists (man, eagle, ox, lion)
  • Saints and apostles with laurel wreaths
  • Clerestory windows for light
• Use of variegated stone (alternating marble and black stone) influenced by Near Eastern/Islamic architecture
• Combination of traditional Roman arches and Corinthian capitals
• Charlemagne's goal: emulate the glory of the Roman Empire in art and culture

The Gallery and Charlemagne's Throne

• Three-story structure: galleries on ground, second, and third levels
• Structural and decorative Roman arches, Corinthian columns
• Charlemagne's private worship space: throne in the second-floor gallery
  • Allowed Charlemagne to participate in mass without interacting with others
  • Private chapel space for personal or small ceremonies
  • Sent a message of authority: visibility without direct contact

Influence on Later Architecture

• Charlemagne's innovations carried forward into the Romanesque period
• The chapel as a link between antiquity, the Romanesque, and Gothic periods

Equestrian Portrait of Charlemagne

• Exercise: Reflect on style, technique, and iconography of Charlemagne's equestrian portrait
• Critique: Charlemagne looks unrealistic compared to the horse
• Bronze cast sculpture, mounted on a marble base
• Comparison with Roman equestrian portraits (e.g., Marcus Aurelius) - less sophisticated depiction
• Emphasis on divine right to rule: Orb and (missing) scepter