Germigny-Des-PrÉS

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. Theodulf, bishop of Orléans, abbot of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire at Fleury, and an important intellectual at Charlemagne’s court, built a villa at Germigny-des-Prés (Loiret). Only the oratory, consecrated in 806, remains. The small square structure composed of nine vaulted compartments with a central tower has single apses projecting from three sides and a triple apse on the east.

The horseshoe arches and decoration show Visigothic influence. The central west apse preserves a mosaic of the Ark of the Covenant surrounded by two pairs of angels that reflects Byzantine inspiration. The architectural eclecticism and theological context of the mosaic represent significant aspects of Carolingian culture.

Karen Gould

Germigny-des-Prés (Loiret), Carolingian oratory of Theodulf, plan, long section, and reconstructed view from east. After Conant and others.

[See also: CAROLINGIAN ART; THEODULF OF ORLÉANS]

Hubert, Jean. “Germigny-des-Prés.” Congrès archéologique 93 (1930):534–37.

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