Medieval Towers, or a Pre-History of the Louvre
Sarah-Grace Heller
Examining the initial construction of Louvre as part Philip Augustus’ program fortifications in late twelfth and early thirteenth century, this article examines texts depicting towers defending waterways their possible influence on architectural imaginary. The ninth-century monk Abbo’s Latin poem about Norse raids Paris 885-886 conveyed importance elevation solid stone for defensive towers, need to protect Seine from northern threats. Twelfth-century romances such Roman d’Enéas Partonopeus de Blois describe impressive ten times taller than Louvre’s citadel, but whose proportions were strikingly similar.
L'Esprit Créateur