Le décor de l'oratoire de Germigny-des-Prés : l'authentique et le restauré
Anne-Orange Poilpré
The XIXTh century restoration work on the church of Germigny-des-Prés was carried out through a complete restructuring building. It also involved destruction several elements interior decoration ; it is therefore impossible to define and describe its original importance. central apse mosaic, main element iconographic program, happily excluded from this radical restoration. Outside Italy, only mural mosaic going back Charlemagne's reign. Only fragments wall stucco-work remain in Musée Historique de l'Orléanais. replaced by modem one. extent damage caused obvious, but chronology consequences, as far concerned, vague. necessary conduct new survey source material research undertaken since XIXth century. Following study Bibliothèque du Patrimoine records, associated with detailed examination remaining decoration, one can establish rebuilding consequences. However, all documents are not entirely satisfactory, particularly for mosaic. Its present state prevents distinguishing IXth elements. Nevertheless, conclusions be drawn lower part apse. One get precise view oriental openings, carolingian times up distempering walls second XVIIIth Furthermore, few still seen apse, remains between middle level columns, columns blind arcature.
Cahiers De Civilisation Medievale