Charlemagne’s Throne & Carolingian Architecture
Charlemagne’s Throne in Aachen
In the gallery of Aachen Cathedral, an area is reserved for the emperor. A marble throne is kept there, where the emperor supposedly sat to hear mass. It is believed that the throne was a replica of Solomon’s. The model is much discussed.
Carolingian Church Architecture
There are other models of centralized plans in France, most with a cross plan inserted into rectangular or square plants.
Saint Germigny des Prés
The construction of this temple is directly linked with the Visigoth thinker Teodulfo, also of the court of Charlemagne. It is thought that he was a Visigoth Hispanic character, a native of Aragon, and when the Arabs arrived, he took refuge here. We know that between 801 and 806, he was the Bishop of Orleans and constructed this small church dedicated to Saint Geneva and Germigny.
In a case related by a chronicler of the 9th century in Aachen, the centralized plan, although they have different canopy structures. On a base of a tower are the remains of what would be a small inscription indicating that Teodulfo is the architect of this building. It was tremendously transformed in the 19th century. It features a cross inscribed in a square with four apses, one on each side, but one of them is not preserved.
The standard emphasizes a kind of lantern tower at the crossing, which was restored. Originally, it would have had three levels of illumination, but in the 19th-century restoration, the third level was removed.
Iconography of the Ark of the Covenant
What matters above all is that it preserves one of the most bizarre iconography, almost aniconic. The Ark of the Covenant is represented in the vault of the apse, a very rare motif for an apse. Two angels are on their own ark, the holy guardians of the sanctum sanctorum. In the center, they are flanked by two angels. And in the center dominates the dexterity, the hand of the Lord. The style in terms of implementation is very archaic, classic, and very sober.
Some authors link this issue with the Visigoth Hispanic Teodulo, and therefore Arian, due to its austerity. This would be linked to a hypothetical Arian bishop of Orleans. It can also be linked to the empty throne, the entimasia. In the writings of Alcuin of York, we find some reference to it being preferable to avoid allusions to idolatry.
Carolingian Temple Types
- Temples with an anti-apse (referring to North Africa in the 4th century)
- Temples with a double transept
- Temples with a triple nave and a sanctuary
The Westwerk
The westwerk, also known as a triturrium or churchyard, is a body of architecture built in the western body of Carolingian towers. It is another characteristic feature of Carolingian art. It is a body above the basilica, a narthex of apartments. This typology is found in different variants throughout the Carolingian territory, such as in Reims, Hildesheim, and the Monastery of Corvey.
Corvey Monastery
Corvey Monastery, in Nova Corbel, is a Benedictine monastery built by Wala (cousin of Charlemagne) between 822 and 844. It was inhabited by monks who came from Corbie in Amiens. Between 873 and 885, an addition was made, almost like a church-porch. The interior was divided into two floors.
The sort of platform is not clear what it should be. Many thought it was associated with the use of the emperor when he visited an abbey. We know that within the Carolingian world, it functioned as a kind of link with the church. This gave them protection, and the monastery welcomed the emperor when needed. Many churches have these deals between abbots and the emperors. Sometimes it is related to the Cluniac churches.