Romanesque France

Magazine Antiques, April, 2005 by Miriam Kramer

The Carolingian dynasty ended when Hugh Capet ascended the throne of France in 987. The Capetian dynasty held power over an ever-larger France until 1328. The coming of the Capetian kings also coincided with the advent of Romanesque art and architecture, which prevailed in France until 1152, when the marriage of Louis VII and Eleanor of Aquitaine was annulled. Eleanor then married Henry Plantagenet, who became Henry II of England two years later. Thus began the rivalry between the Capetians and the Plantagenets as well as the birth of the Gothic style in France.

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The Romanesque period in France was marked by the rise of the great monasteries, many of which became dynamic centers of artistic creation. The notions of pilgrimages and crusades took root, resulting in the circulation of people, ideas, and works of art and contact with the Byzantine and Muslim worlds. This, in turn, fostered a revival of learning.

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A major exhibition at the Musee du Louvre in Paris entitled Romanesque France at the Time of the First Capetians (987-1152) is on view until June 6. It consists of two sections. The first provides an overview of the Romanesque period in France, and the second pays tribute to the ingenuity of each of the provinces of France and their major artistic centers. The curator is Danielle Gaborit-Chopin and the show was organized by the Louvre with the Reunion des musees nationaux and the Bibliotheque nationale de France. The sponsor is Credit Agricole.

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The accompanying book, La France Romane, is edited by the curator and copublished by Musee du Louvre Editions and Editions Hazan. It can be ordered by telephoning 33-1-40-20-52-06.