Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Brionnais

Hugh of Cluny (aka "Hugh the Great", "Saint Hugh", "Hugh of Semur"), abbot of Cluny, was born in this little village (one of the "Plus beaux villages de France") in May 1024. Hugh had the third abbey church at Cluny (aka Cluny III) built, the largest structure in Europe for centuries. He as well had Paray-le-Monial built, he founded Charité-sur-Loire, he was the godfather of Emperor Henry IV (see "Goslar) and an important mediator in the Investiture Controversy. And Hugh had the former collegiate church Saint-Hilaire, a basilica on a "cluniacensic blueprint" built in his home-village. The construction started of the church 1120/1130. Hugh must have been a very generous benefactor, as he obviously employed the best carvers around to work here. The lintel of the main portal on the western facade. The lintel is carved out of one block of sandstone. The lintel tells how St. Hilary of Poitiers fought the Arianistic heretics, the most important part of his lifework. A band of foliage frames the (main) scenes. On the left stands St. Hilary holding a book in his hand. On a kind of stage are three men sitting. They are discussing. Two men seated in front and between them is a third one, representing the crowd behind. This is probably stands for the "First Council of Nicaea" and we see the debating party of Arianists, who denied the Trinity of God. St. Hilary ("historicly " only 10 years old then) stands on the other side. He is holding his book "De Trinitate" as he was fighting the "heretics". Actually he was banned for four years of his life to Phrygia, when the Arianists were ruling. This exile in Phrygia may be depicted in the middle, where an angel is holding a censer over St. Hillary, who as the bishop of Poitiers, wears a mitra, even during the exile. On the right side, there is a stage again - this time populated with 5 debaters. There were different councils, where St. Hillary later defended the Trinity (and won!), so this may be a scene from Arles, Milan or Beziers. Further right, beside the stage - is an empty chair. The chair is decorated - as this is the throne of Pope Leo. The Pople had left the throne, to use the latrine on the right. Just sitting on the bowl - Pope Leo passes away. His heretic soul is leaving his body through his mouth, grabbed by one of three waiting devils. - What a drama! Here either the medieval storyteller mixed something up - or he knew the sentence "Never let truth get in the way of a good story..". - The fierce opponent of Pope Leo I was Hilary of Arles, not Hilary of Poitiers.

The parish church of Fleury-la-Montagne has this interesting tympanum over the main entrance on the western side. This is flanked by two pillars with nicely carved capitals. The is the left capital. Here its is all about music. A small donkey in the right plays the harp with its hoofs, while a ram with long horns on the left plays the violin. Unfortunately the ram looks over his shoulder, facing the audience behind the corner. So - I cut half of its face. Sorry!

The church Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens ("St. Peter in Chains") seems huge in the center of a village with a population of well under 150. Cluny owned the place since 1045, and from 1095 on, the small community was administered by the priory of Marcigny. Already in the 1130s the little monastery was important enough to be an "indpendent" cluniacensic priory. This was probably the time, when the construction of the church, built from sandstone. All capitals are under a thick, but peeling coat of white colour. It may be, that this coat conserves them, as they walls are rather but it does not look really nice. Here are a centaur galloping in high speed (see the hair), holding bow and arrow, - and an ape. I have no idea about the connection between the two. Often near hunting centaurs mermaids can be found, not apes. Well of course the creature on the right could be as well a man. But I am pretty sure, that this is an ape. There is in ape on a capital in Clermont-Ferrand, about 130 kms southwest, that is very similar.

The remarkable parish church in the village of Iguerande was constructed late 11th century. It is dedicated to Saint Marcel and belonged to Cluny since 1088 via the nearby priory of Marcigny. A nice, sturdy church. Pretty intact and known for some mysterious carvings. This is the most mysterious and probably most photographed capital in Saint Marcel. It´s all about music. - There is a two persons playing a duet. - Let me start with the left musician, who is just looking around the corner. A little monkey / ape plays the harp. Well, that is not that extraordinary. Lots of animals can be found playing instruments on medieval carvings: Though mostly donkeys play the harp - with the hoofs. On the right out of the floral volute dangles - a pumkin. The pumpkin has one central eye on his forehead - and plays the panflute! He holds the flute with his nicely carved hands. Is this the return of the cannibalistic Polyphemus, one of the cyclops, whom Odysseus met already? Did Polyphem play the panflute in the story, told by Homer? I remember, that he did drink very strong wine - and fall asleep... Maybe this a cutout from a nightmare, the carver had, after a couple of very strong wines. I have no clue, but it is - fantastic!!

The priory of Anzy-le-Duc was founded 876. When Hugues de Poitier, one of the founders, died here in the "odeur" of sanctity (930) the first pilgrims started to head for this place. The church (used as a parish church today, dedicated to the Assumption), was erected 1180 - 1230, when great numbers of pilgrims met here. The layout of the church is similar to the (ruined) church of nearby Charlieu: a basilica with a transept and five apses. During the Wars of Religion Huguenots destroyed the tomb of St. Hugh and in 1594 the church was set on fire. After the priory was dissolved in 1789 the church was sold and abandoned, before the villagers used it as a parish church in the early 19th century. The church in Anzy-le-Duc is known for it´s richness of carvings, and so it is probably the finest example of romanesque art in the Southern Burgundy. The carvings are remarkable for their workmanship, though they may differ in quality. Six different masters (or workshops) can be found, differing in style - and in themes and designs. Í will resist to upload all photos I took. I will upload some examples - from different angles. On both capitals seen before, the atlas figure and the contemplating, sad looking men on the corners are accompanied by apes (or monkeys). The animals seem to be pretty large, compared to the men. In 2000 German historian Matthias Hamann published two volumes titled "Die burgundische Prioratskirche von Anzy-le-Duc und die romanische Plastik im Brionnais", totalling more than 600 pages (and 599 pics). Here is an abstract in French and English: www.uni-muenster.de/Fruehmittelalter/Projekte/Cluny/BiblC...

The priory of Anzy-le-Duc was founded 876. When Hugues de Poitier, one of the founders, died here in the "odeur" of sanctity (930) the first pilgrims started to head for this place. The church (used as a parish church today, dedicated to the Assumption), was erected 1180 - 1230, when great numbers of pilgrims met here. The layout of the church is similar to the (ruined) church of nearby Charlieu: a basilica with a transept and five apses. During the Wars of Religion Huguenots destroyed the tomb of St. Hugh and in 1594 the church was set on fire. After the priory was dissolved in 1789 the church was sold and abandoned, before the villagers used it as a parish church in the early 19th century. The church in Anzy-le-Duc is known for it´s richness of carvings, and so it is probably the finest example of romanesque art in the Southern Burgundy. The carvings are remarkable for their workmanship, though they may differ in quality. Six different masters (or workshops) can be found, differing in style - and in themes and designs. Í will resist to upload all photos I took. I will upload some examples - from different angles. Here again, like seen before, a large ape or monkey accompanies the sad looking man. "Man and monkey" are a common often used term in art. Even John Lennon used that singing "Everybody's got something to hide, except for me and my monkey". In 2000 German historian Matthias Hamann published two volumes titled "Die burgundische Prioratskirche von Anzy-le-Duc und die romanische Plastik im Brionnais", totalling more than 600 pages (and 599 pics). Here is an abstract in French and English: www.uni-muenster.de/Fruehmittelalter/Projekte/Cluny/BiblC...

Charlieu Abbey, founded already in 872 was dedicated to Saint Fortunatus, who like Saint Hilary, whom we met in Semur-en-Brionnais, was bishop of Poitiers (600/610). In 932 the abbey was annexed by Cluny, one of the first acquisitions of Cluny, that was founded 910. Pope Urban II consecrated the new church here in 1094. This has been already the third church here. The narthex was added 1130. The layout of the church is similar to that one of the priory church in Anzy-le-Duc (25kms to the north). Both churches have architectural "roots" in Cluny II, that got demolished in 1088 to make room for Cluny III. The Benedictine community went through the centuries, the village Charlieu prospered. Times got harder for the monks in the 18th century. In September 1792 a Revolutionary mob broke into the abbey - and burnt all records. In 1795 the church was sold as a quarry for building materials. The eastern side of the church is gone since then. Of the church only the narthex and the westernmost bay still exist - as ruins. Some parts of the monastery, like the cloister, were reconstructed. On the other side of the narthex, just around the corner from the delicately carved, but damaged tympana, is this carving of a monkey head. - A very different style - and untouched by the vandals. I love these carvings of exotic animals - and I have compared it to photos of mandrills.

This single-nave church, constructed around 1130/1140, was previously ministered by the monks of Anzy-le-Duc, just 4kms south. The western facade with the portal of the church was never altered. A sheltering narthex had been here once, so that the carvings are still in a very good condition. Depicted on the tympanum and the lintel is the "Ascension of Jesus". A masterpiece. I have the impression, that some of the corbels here were carved by young apprentices. Or maybe even some gifted villagers got a chance. The workmanship of this little monkey may be pretty poor, but I really like the monkey. It reminds me on a stuffed toy bear I owned - once.

The church Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens ("St. Peter in Chains") seems huge in the center of a village with a population of well under 150. Cluny owned the place since 1045, and from 1095 on, the small community was administered by the priory of Marcigny. Already in the 1130s the little monastery was important enough to be an "indpendent" cluniacensic priory. This was probably the time, when the construction of the church, built from sandstone. There are many corbels under the roof. Devils, demons - and this monkey. To see an ape or monkey depicted on a corbel is not that special, but this one may have ties to the strange ape on the centaur-capital inside.

Charlieu Abbey, founded already in 872 was dedicated to Saint Fortunatus, who like Saint Hilary, whom we met in Semur-en-Brionnais, was bishop of Poitiers (600/610). In 932 the abbey was annexed by Cluny, one of the first acquisitions of Cluny, that was founded 910. Pope Urban II consecrated the new church here in 1094. This has been already the third church here. The narthex was added 1130. The layout of the church is similar to that one of the priory church in Anzy-le-Duc (25kms to the north). Both churches have architectural "roots" in Cluny II, that got demolished in 1088 to make room for Cluny III. The Benedictine community went through the centuries, the village Charlieu prospered. Times got harder for the monks in the 18th century. In September 1792 a Revolutionary mob broke into the abbey - and burnt all records. In 1795 the church was sold as a quarry for building materials. The eastern side of the church is gone since then. Of the church only the narthex and the westernmost bay still exist - as ruins. Some parts of the monastery, like the cloister, were reconstructed. Next to the entrance gate of the narthex (left side) is a Luxuria. As this sculpture was in easy reach, not much is left. She obviously wore a kind of elegant bathrobe with a girdle around her waist. On her right arm are the leftovers of the snake, while the toad on the left is pretty intact.

Hugh of Cluny (aka "Hugh the Great", "Saint Hugh", "Hugh of Semur"), abbot of Cluny, was born in this little village (one of the "Plus beaux villages de France") in May 1024. Hugh had the third abbey church at Cluny (aka Cluny III) built, the largest structure in Europe for centuries. He as well had Paray-le-Monial built, he founded Charité-sur-Loire, he was the godfather of Emperor Henry IV (see "Goslar) and an important mediator in the Investiture Controversy. And Hugh had the former collegiate church Saint-Hilaire, a basilica on a "cluniacensic blueprint" built in his home-village. The construction started of the church 1120/1130. To the right of the lintel, that tells a story out of the life of Saint Hillary, is this capital. A Luxuria with a snake and a toad. I have seen a couple of Luxurias over the time, but this one has, compared to others, a strange face. Either, she wears a cap - and these are hair hanging down, or she has a beard, or a combination out of these two. Or these are all wrinkels, standing as a symbol for an "old" and or "ugly" face. Luxuria is not alone, there is somebody around the corner. Seen on the next shot.

Hugh of Cluny (aka "Hugh the Great", "Saint Hugh", "Hugh of Semur"), abbot of Cluny, was born in this little village (one of the "Plus beaux villages de France") in May 1024. Hugh had the third abbey church at Cluny (aka Cluny III) built, the largest structure in Europe for centuries. He as well had Paray-le-Monial built, he founded Charité-sur-Loire, he was the godfather of Emperor Henry IV (see "Goslar) and an important mediator in the Investiture Controversy. And Hugh had the former collegiate church Saint-Hilaire, a basilica on a "cluniacensic blueprint" built in his home-village. The construction started of the church 1120/1130. Here is the "complete couple" on that capital. This is the impression given, after having piously contemplated over the life of Saint Hillary, seen on the masterly carved lintel.

This mermaid can be seen in the left side chapel of the parish church Saint-Philibert in Charlieu. The chapel was added to the church end of 15th century. This (compared to her two collegues in the nearby abbey) small and skinny mermaid only has one tail - and holds a mirror and a comb. This are symbols of "vanitias".

Charlieu Abbey, founded already in 872 was dedicated to Saint Fortunatus, who like Saint Hilary, whom we met in Semur-en-Brionnais, was bishop of Poitiers (600/610). In 932 the abbey was annexed by Cluny, one of the first acquisitions of Cluny, that was founded 910. Pope Urban II consecrated the new church here in 1094. This has been already the third church here. The narthex was added 1130. The layout of the church is similar to that one of the priory church in Anzy-le-Duc (25kms to the north). Both churches have architectural "roots" in Cluny II, that got demolished in 1088 to make room for Cluny III. The Benedictine community went through the centuries, the village Charlieu prospered. Times got harder for the monks in the 18th century. In September 1792 a Revolutionary mob broke into the abbey - and burnt all records. In 1795 the church was sold as a quarry for building materials. The eastern side of the church is gone since then. Of the church only the narthex and the westernmost bay still exist - as ruins. Some parts of the monastery, like the cloister, were reconstructed. Behind the narthex only one single bay of the demolished church still exists. So all the pillars and the capitals are in bright daylight now. The last arch, that once supported the vaulting runs out in two pillars. Both have carved capitals. This one is corresponding to the left one. On the left was that fishy chimera - and here is the hefty mermaid. Long arms hold the huge tails. Compared to the enormous limbs, the round face under the long hair seems tiny. The carving of the chimera seems "more sophisticated", younger, while the style here is very basic. Not even scales are visible. Actually later I found, that the carver used this "design" twice. I´ll upload another version later. These two capitals depicting a mermaid and her companion the fishy chimera form for sure an ensemble with the beardpullers nearby.

The priory of Anzy-le-Duc was founded 876. When Hugues de Poitier, one of the founders, died here in the "odeur" of sanctity (930) the first pilgrims started to head for this place. The church (used as a parish church today, dedicated to the Assumption), was erected 1180 - 1230, when great numbers of pilgrims met here. The layout of the church is similar to the (ruined) church of nearby Charlieu: a basilica with a transept and five apses. During the Wars of Religion Huguenots destroyed the tomb of St. Hugh and in 1594 the church was set on fire. After the priory was dissolved in 1789 the church was sold and abandoned, before the villagers used it as a parish church in the early 19th century. The church in Anzy-le-Duc is known for it´s richness of carvings, and so it is probably the finest example of romanesque art in the Southern Burgundy. The carvings are remarkable for their workmanship, though they may differ in quality. Six different masters (or workshops) can be found, differing in style - and in themes and designs. Í will resist to upload all photos I took. A corbel. A sunbathing mermaid holding her tail. In 2000 German historian Matthias Hamann published two volumes titled "Die burgundische Prioratskirche von Anzy-le-Duc und die romanische Plastik im Brionnais", totalling more than 600 pages (and 599 pics). Here is an abstract in French and English: www.uni-muenster.de/Fruehmittelalter/Projekte/Cluny/BiblC...

Charlieu Abbey, founded already in 872 was dedicated to Saint Fortunatus, who like Saint Hilary, whom we met in Semur-en-Brionnais, was bishop of Poitiers (600/610). In 932 the abbey was annexed by Cluny, one of the first acquisitions of Cluny, that was founded 910. Pope Urban II consecrated the new church here in 1094. This has been already the third church here. The narthex was added 1130. The layout of the church is similar to that one of the priory church in Anzy-le-Duc (25kms to the north). Both churches have architectural "roots" in Cluny II, that got demolished in 1088 to make room for Cluny III. The Benedictine community went through the centuries, the village Charlieu prospered. Times got harder for the monks in the 18th century. In September 1792 a Revolutionary mob broke into the abbey - and burnt all records. In 1795 the church was sold as a quarry for building materials. The eastern side of the church is gone since then. Of the church only the narthex and the westernmost bay still exist - as ruins. Some parts of the monastery were reconstructed. There is a lapidarium in Charlieu Abbey, where the carvings are on exhibit, that were found during the excavations underground or in the debris of the church. There are lots of remarkable carvings - but they all lost the architectural context. Unfortunatly the light in the lapidarium is a problem - and I don´t like to use flash. This mermaid is way smaller than that one on the last bay near the narthex, but otherwise it is the same. A scale model. So this was the same carver - and before he did the large one for the capital in the church, he did a small one, to get this fleshy