Les chapiteaux de marbre du Haut Moyen-Age à Saint-Denis
May Vieillard-Troïekouroff
Clovis I († 510), who made Paris his capital, established funerary basilica at Saints-Apôtres (later Sainte-Geneviève), a church not far from the ancient forum. By middle of sixth century Saint-Denis, situated and Saint-Vincent Saint-Germain des Prés), became royal Merovingian necropolis. Twenty-four marble, capitals have been found in these Parisian basilicas, to which should be added Saint-Marcel, cathedral Notre-Dame Saint-Pierre de Montmartre. Eleven came Saint-Denis. Of these, three were reused crypt constructed during Suger's abbacy eight sent around 1884. (Six went directly Musée Cluny; two first Louvre, but rejoined others 1914). Since come marble quarries Pyrenees--quarries sons had recovered Visigoths--one cannot cite them as examples art its surrounds. Made white Saint-Béat, contrasted with various hues used for columns. Even though are continuation an Antique industry, they offer great deal variety. Here we concerned problem original locations Saint-Denis eleven capitals, or even whether all itself. As their style, appear later date than built by Ste. Geneviève. Rather, would correspond works accomplished time Dagobert. Certainly earlier rebuilding consecrated presence Charlemagne 775, columns dimensions reused. Besides texts provide this information, there is corroboration beautifully carved Carolingian stone bases discovered M Crosby, circular cavities measurements varying 0,40 m. 0,53 Three now located north south ambulatories recut nineteenth (Figs. 1, 2, 3). Two surmount marble. One corbeil-capital envelopped four leaves (Fig. 1); other (one larger other) encircled tiers arranged alternation remaining depot only largest (Figs 4, 5) could surmounted bearing crypt. Both acanthus imagination vigor undoubtedly same hand. The capital lies size between last discussed 6) has well articulated leaves. Their tips, project so that resemble crockets, upper surfaces reminiscent scallop shells Another small 7) angles enfolded large leaves, each slender central stalk, epitomizes refinements attained sculpture. In time, doubtless Romanesque period when reused, several 8, b). On one face a) tendrils extend volutes frame triple fleuron; on another b) broken ornament was replaced palmette characteristic twelfth century. long confused preceding ones. It but, like many Gothic it no astragal. Its flaring corbeil more elongated those capitals; centered disappeared entirely; abacus does classical design. Above very much twelfth-century foliate forms, full life, narthex choir contemporaneous churches. influence models particularly notable mid-twelfth-century then received diagonal ribs vaults This Renaissance
Gesta