Paschal I, the Church of Santa Prassede and the Question of a ‘Carolingian <i>Renovatio</i>’ in Rome
This chapter is devoted entirely to the Roman church of Santa Prassede, principal surviving architectural project Pope Paschal I (817–824). Its function as a major urban repository for relics city’s Early Christian saints and martyrs, more than 2000 which were brought here from extramural catacombs, determines both model (Saint Peter’s) many aspects decoration in mosaic, mural painting sculpture. Special attention San Zeno chapel, burial site Paschal’s mother, Theodora, whose mosaic programme, including her portrait, completely preserved reflects that function. Consideration given Richard Krautheimer’s suggestion this constitutes evidence ‘Carolingian renascence’ forms associated with first emperor, Constantine.
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