https://www.ipernity.com/tag/323415/keyword/237621 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/105/57/EF/323415.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/tag/323415/keyword/237621 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 03:44:34 +0000 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 03:44:34 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53199690 tag:ipernity.com,2026-01-05,doc-53199690 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:56:50 +0000 2025-08-01T12:44:40+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53199690"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/96/90/53199690.bccef041.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="155" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The Hôtel de Cluny was built in the late 15th century on the site of an older building constructed after the Abbey of Cluny acquired the ancient Roman baths in 1340.<br /> <br /> The manor house was rebuilt under Jacques d’Amboise, Abbot Commander of Cluny (1485–1510). In the 18th century, the tower of the Hôtel de Cluny served as an observatory for the astronomers Joseph-Nicolas Delisle, Jérôme Lalande, and Charles Messier. During the French Revolution in 1789, the manor house was confiscated.<br /> <br /> In 1832, the archaeologist and art collector Alexandre Du Sommerard acquired the Hôtel de Cluny and used it to display his extensive collection of medieval artifacts. After his death, the collection became the property of the French state. The building opened as a museum in 1843.<br /> <br /> The museum underwent a complete renovation over three years and reopened in 2022.<br /> <br /> <br /> Reliquary<br /> Scenes from the Life of the Virgin and Christ <br /> <br /> Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Arrival of the Shepherds,<br /> Adoration of the Magi, Presentation at the Temple <br /> <br /> Limoges, 1. quarter of the 13th century</div> Paris - Musée de Cluny <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53199690"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/96/90/53199690.bccef041.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="155" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The Hôtel de Cluny was built in the late 15th century on the site of an older building constructed after the Abbey of Cluny acquired the ancient Roman baths in 1340.<br /> <br /> The manor house was rebuilt under Jacques d’Amboise, Abbot Commander of Cluny (1485–1510). In the 18th century, the tower of the Hôtel de Cluny served as an observatory for the astronomers Joseph-Nicolas Delisle, Jérôme Lalande, and Charles Messier. During the French Revolution in 1789, the manor house was confiscated.<br /> <br /> In 1832, the archaeologist and art collector Alexandre Du Sommerard acquired the Hôtel de Cluny and used it to display his extensive collection of medieval artifacts. After his death, the collection became the property of the French state. The building opened as a museum in 1843.<br /> <br /> The museum underwent a complete renovation over three years and reopened in 2022.<br /> <br /> <br /> Reliquary<br /> Scenes from the Life of the Virgin and Christ <br /> <br /> Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Arrival of the Shepherds,<br /> Adoration of the Magi, Presentation at the Temple <br /> <br /> Limoges, 1. quarter of the 13th century</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53043530 tag:ipernity.com,2025-08-09,doc-53043530 Sat, 09 Aug 2025 10:42:50 +0000 2025-05-11T13:09:39+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53043530"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/35/30/53043530.2edf4488.240.jpg?r2" width="178" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The Aachen Cathedral Treasury ("Aachener Domschatz") is one of the largest and most important treasuries of medieval Christian artworks in Europe. The treasury has over a hundred works that are exhibited in a museum adjacent to the Aachen Cathedral – the monumental church of Charlemagne, which together with the treasury was added to the first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1978. <br /> <br /> <br /> Relief panel<br /> Nativity, Baptism, Crucifixion<br /> <br /> Ivory, Meuse region, ca 1100</div> Aachen - Cathedral Treasury <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53043530"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/35/30/53043530.2edf4488.240.jpg?r2" width="178" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The Aachen Cathedral Treasury ("Aachener Domschatz") is one of the largest and most important treasuries of medieval Christian artworks in Europe. The treasury has over a hundred works that are exhibited in a museum adjacent to the Aachen Cathedral – the monumental church of Charlemagne, which together with the treasury was added to the first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1978. <br /> <br /> <br /> Relief panel<br /> Nativity, Baptism, Crucifixion<br /> <br /> Ivory, Meuse region, ca 1100</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52971524 tag:ipernity.com,2025-06-19,doc-52971524 Thu, 19 Jun 2025 20:49:57 +0000 2025-03-01T12:38:53+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52971524"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/15/24/52971524.61d41894.240.jpg?r2" width="238" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The Bode Museum (formerly called "Kaiser-Friedrich-Museum), is a building on the Museum Island. It was built from 1898 to 1904 by order of German Emperor William II according to plans by Ernst von Ihne in Baroque Revival style.<br /> <br /> During WWII the building suffered comparatively the least damage on Museum Island, but it was not until 1951 that it received a temporary roof. After the end of the war, the new Berlin city administration had all references to former rulers removed and in 1956, Johannes R. Becher, then Minister of Culture of the GDR, ceremoniously renamed the Kaiser Friedrich Museum the Bode Museum.<br /> <br /> As part of the Museum Island complex, the Bode-Museum was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999.<br /> <br /> <br /> Nativity / Mary in Childbed / First Bath<br /> <br /> Alsace / c. 1420</div> Berlin - Bode-Museum <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52971524"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/15/24/52971524.61d41894.240.jpg?r2" width="238" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The Bode Museum (formerly called "Kaiser-Friedrich-Museum), is a building on the Museum Island. It was built from 1898 to 1904 by order of German Emperor William II according to plans by Ernst von Ihne in Baroque Revival style.<br /> <br /> During WWII the building suffered comparatively the least damage on Museum Island, but it was not until 1951 that it received a temporary roof. After the end of the war, the new Berlin city administration had all references to former rulers removed and in 1956, Johannes R. Becher, then Minister of Culture of the GDR, ceremoniously renamed the Kaiser Friedrich Museum the Bode Museum.<br /> <br /> As part of the Museum Island complex, the Bode-Museum was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999.<br /> <br /> <br /> Nativity / Mary in Childbed / First Bath<br /> <br /> Alsace / c. 1420</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52961766 tag:ipernity.com,2025-06-09,doc-52961766 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 12:18:37 +0000 2025-01-01T14:12:57+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52961766"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/17/66/52961766.ffa876d6.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="229" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Athens, the southernmost capital on the European mainland, is one of the world's oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. According to Greek mythology the city was named after Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom. Classical Athens was one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece. It was a centre for democracy, the arts, education and philosophy, and was highly influential throughout the European continent, particularly in Ancient Rome. For this reason it is often regarded as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy.<br /> <br /> Founded in 1914, it is now located in the former villa of the Duchess of Plaisance, also known as the Villa Ilissia, in close proximity to the War Museum. It houses more than 25,000 exhibits, artifacts from the 3rd century AD to the late Middle Ages.<br /> <br /> <br /> The Nativity, marble slab, Naxos, 4th c. early 5th c</div> Athens - Byzantine and Christian Museum <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52961766"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/17/66/52961766.ffa876d6.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="229" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Athens, the southernmost capital on the European mainland, is one of the world's oldest cities, with its recorded history spanning over 3,400 years. According to Greek mythology the city was named after Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom. Classical Athens was one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Greece. It was a centre for democracy, the arts, education and philosophy, and was highly influential throughout the European continent, particularly in Ancient Rome. For this reason it is often regarded as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy.<br /> <br /> Founded in 1914, it is now located in the former villa of the Duchess of Plaisance, also known as the Villa Ilissia, in close proximity to the War Museum. It houses more than 25,000 exhibits, artifacts from the 3rd century AD to the late Middle Ages.<br /> <br /> <br /> The Nativity, marble slab, Naxos, 4th c. early 5th c</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52864752 tag:ipernity.com,2025-04-10,doc-52864752 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 20:45:18 +0000 2024-12-01T13:47:09+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52864752"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/47/52/52864752.6c41bdd5.240.jpg?r2" width="153" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Gonia Monastery (Monastery of Panagia Hodegetria) is located on the southeast coast of the Rodopos peninsula. It was founded in the 9th century and was originally situated at Menies, on the ruins of the ancient temple of Artemis. The monastery was built in the 13th century and rebuilt between 1618 and 1634 in its present location, with Venetian influences in its architectural design and adornments.<br /> <br /> According to monks the present location at Kolymvari was considered safer from attack. Despite this, the monastery was heavily damaged by Ottoman bombardment on many occasions throughout its history, finally in 1867, during the Cretan Revolt (1866–1869). During WWII the monastery was partly destroyed by German bombing and it became one of the most important areas of Cretan resistance to Nazi Germany.<br /> <br /> The monastery´s museum Cretan icons.<br /> <br /> The Last Supper<br /> <br /> The Nativity (shepherds left, Magi right)<br /> <br /> Ecce Home<br /> <br /> "By the hand of Demetrios Ssouros - 1779"</div> Gonia Monastery <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52864752"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/47/52/52864752.6c41bdd5.240.jpg?r2" width="153" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Gonia Monastery (Monastery of Panagia Hodegetria) is located on the southeast coast of the Rodopos peninsula. It was founded in the 9th century and was originally situated at Menies, on the ruins of the ancient temple of Artemis. The monastery was built in the 13th century and rebuilt between 1618 and 1634 in its present location, with Venetian influences in its architectural design and adornments.<br /> <br /> According to monks the present location at Kolymvari was considered safer from attack. Despite this, the monastery was heavily damaged by Ottoman bombardment on many occasions throughout its history, finally in 1867, during the Cretan Revolt (1866–1869). During WWII the monastery was partly destroyed by German bombing and it became one of the most important areas of Cretan resistance to Nazi Germany.<br /> <br /> The monastery´s museum Cretan icons.<br /> <br /> The Last Supper<br /> <br /> The Nativity (shepherds left, Magi right)<br /> <br /> Ecce Home<br /> <br /> "By the hand of Demetrios Ssouros - 1779"</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52832558 tag:ipernity.com,2025-03-31,doc-52832558 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:41:31 +0000 2024-12-01T12:20:30+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52832558"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/25/58/52832558.a743e21b.240.jpg?r2" width="181" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, is located about 100 km south of the Peloponnese. Crete was the center of Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoans, from 3000 to 1400 BC. The Minoan civilization was overrun by the Mycenaean civilization from mainland Greece. Crete was later ruled by Rome, then successively by the Byzantine Empire, Andalusian Arabs, the Byzantine Empire again, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. In 1898 Crete, whose people had for some time wanted to join the Greek state, achieved independence from the Ottomans, formally becoming the Cretan State. Crete became part of Greece in December 1913.<br /> <br /> Heraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. With a municipal population of about 180.000 it is the fourth largest city in Greece. The greater area of Heraklion has been continuously inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in Europe. As a major center of the Minoan civilization it often considered Europe's oldest city.<br /> <br /> <br /> The Historical Museum of Crete (HMC) was founded by the Society of Cretan Historical Studies, in 1953. The HMC now offers a composite view of Cretan history and art from the early Christian centuries to the 20th century.<br /> <br /> The Nativity<br /> <br /> The Magi are approaching from the left, the shepherds from the right.</div> Heraklion - Historical Museum of Crete <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52832558"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/25/58/52832558.a743e21b.240.jpg?r2" width="181" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, is located about 100 km south of the Peloponnese. Crete was the center of Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoans, from 3000 to 1400 BC. The Minoan civilization was overrun by the Mycenaean civilization from mainland Greece. Crete was later ruled by Rome, then successively by the Byzantine Empire, Andalusian Arabs, the Byzantine Empire again, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. In 1898 Crete, whose people had for some time wanted to join the Greek state, achieved independence from the Ottomans, formally becoming the Cretan State. Crete became part of Greece in December 1913.<br /> <br /> Heraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. With a municipal population of about 180.000 it is the fourth largest city in Greece. The greater area of Heraklion has been continuously inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in Europe. As a major center of the Minoan civilization it often considered Europe's oldest city.<br /> <br /> <br /> The Historical Museum of Crete (HMC) was founded by the Society of Cretan Historical Studies, in 1953. The HMC now offers a composite view of Cretan history and art from the early Christian centuries to the 20th century.<br /> <br /> The Nativity<br /> <br /> The Magi are approaching from the left, the shepherds from the right.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52826594 tag:ipernity.com,2025-03-27,doc-52826594 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 13:26:35 +0000 2024-10-01T12:03:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52826594"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/65/94/52826594.91d56336.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="234" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">With more than 500.000 inhabitants Hannover is the capital and largest city of the German state of Lower Saxony.<br /> <br /> Hannover was founded in medieval times on the east bank of the River Leine. It was a small village of ferrymen and fishermen. It became a comparatively large town in the 13th century, receiving town privileges in 1241, owing to its position at natural crossroads It was connected to the Hanseatic city of Bremen by the Leine and was situated north-west of the Harz mountains so that east-west traffic passed through it.<br /> <br /> Between 1714 and 1837 three kings of Great Britain were concurrently also Electoral Princes of Hanover.<br /> <br /> As an important railway and road junction and production centre, Hannover was a major target for strategic bombing during WW II. More than 90% of the city centre was destroyed in a total of 88 bombing raids. So today Hannover lacks it´s medieval heart.<br /> <br /> <br /> Originally the Museum of "Kunst und Wissenschaft" (art and science) inaugurated in 1856 in the presence of George V of Hanover. After the annexation of Hanover by Prussia, the museum was integrated into the Provincial Museum, as it was called from 1869. The museum ran out of space for its art collections, prompting the construction of the current building in 1902. Extensive renovations and modernisations were carried out in the interior from 1995 to 2000, reopening on 13 May 2000 as part of Expo 2000.<br /> <br /> Today the museum comprises the state gallery (Landesgalerie), featuring paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, and departments of archaeology, natural history and ethnology.<br /> Wing of a former altarpiece, Westphalia, ca 1390<br /> <br /> Depicting the childhood of Jesus<br /> <br /> Annunciation - Nativity - Presentation of Jesus - Adoration of the Magi</div> Hannover - Landesmuseum <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52826594"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/65/94/52826594.91d56336.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="234" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">With more than 500.000 inhabitants Hannover is the capital and largest city of the German state of Lower Saxony.<br /> <br /> Hannover was founded in medieval times on the east bank of the River Leine. It was a small village of ferrymen and fishermen. It became a comparatively large town in the 13th century, receiving town privileges in 1241, owing to its position at natural crossroads It was connected to the Hanseatic city of Bremen by the Leine and was situated north-west of the Harz mountains so that east-west traffic passed through it.<br /> <br /> Between 1714 and 1837 three kings of Great Britain were concurrently also Electoral Princes of Hanover.<br /> <br /> As an important railway and road junction and production centre, Hannover was a major target for strategic bombing during WW II. More than 90% of the city centre was destroyed in a total of 88 bombing raids. So today Hannover lacks it´s medieval heart.<br /> <br /> <br /> Originally the Museum of "Kunst und Wissenschaft" (art and science) inaugurated in 1856 in the presence of George V of Hanover. After the annexation of Hanover by Prussia, the museum was integrated into the Provincial Museum, as it was called from 1869. The museum ran out of space for its art collections, prompting the construction of the current building in 1902. Extensive renovations and modernisations were carried out in the interior from 1995 to 2000, reopening on 13 May 2000 as part of Expo 2000.<br /> <br /> Today the museum comprises the state gallery (Landesgalerie), featuring paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, and departments of archaeology, natural history and ethnology.<br /> Wing of a former altarpiece, Westphalia, ca 1390<br /> <br /> Depicting the childhood of Jesus<br /> <br /> Annunciation - Nativity - Presentation of Jesus - Adoration of the Magi</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52173500 tag:ipernity.com,2023-10-25,doc-52173500 Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:30:26 +0000 2023-01-01T16:57:14+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52173500"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/35/00/52173500.581043b1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="118" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In 192 BC, the Romans conquered the area and founded the outpost Toletum. Due to its iron ore deposits, Toledo developed into an important settlement. Since the first barbarian invasions, the ancient walls were reinforced. In 411 the Alans and later the Visigoths conquered the city. Toledo was the capital of the Visigoths' empire from about 531 to 711.<br /> <br /> The Moors conquered the place in 712. Toledo experienced its heyday during the period of Moorish rule as Ṭulayṭula during the Caliphate of Córdoba until its conquest by Alfonso VI in 1085, after a four-year siege. In 1088, only a few years after the conquest, Archbishop Bernard of Toledo obtained confirmation from Pope Urban II that Toledo should hold the "primatus in totis Hispaniarum regnis" (primacy in all the kingdoms of the Iberian dominions). The Archbishop of Toledo is still today the Primate of the Catholic Church of Spain.<br /> <br /> In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Toledo school of translators translated ancient philosophical writings (Plato, Aristotle) that had been translated from Greek into Arabic, but also genuinely Arabic writings from the fields of astronomy, mathematics, Islamic religion and theology into Latin.<br /> <br /> After the conquest by Alfonso VI, Toledo became the residence of the Kingdom of Castile in 1087 and remained the capital of Spain until 1561.<br /> <br /> The cathedral was founded in 1226. Ferdinand III (aka “the Saint”) laid the first stone in 1227 after he had the old Visigothic church demolished. This had previously been converted into a mosque by the Moors and they wanted to radically remove this influence. The first architect, named “Master Martín” is mentioned in 1227. He either was French or had worked there before, as this building was clearly modeled after the Bourges Cathedral. It is widely believed to be one of the most important Gothic churches in Spain.<br /> <br /> It measures 120 meters in length by 59 meters in width and 44.5 meters high. It consists of five naves with a transept and double ambulatory.<br /> <br /> <br /> The story, the tympanum tells, starts on the left side of the bottom row:<br /> <br /> Annunciation - Visitation - Nativity - Annunciation to the Shepherds - The Magi leaving Herod - The Adoration of the Magi - The Dream of the Magi - Massacre of the Innocents<br /> <br /> It continues from right to left, starting with the Flight into Egypt</div> Toledo - Catedral de Toledo <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52173500"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/35/00/52173500.581043b1.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="118" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In 192 BC, the Romans conquered the area and founded the outpost Toletum. Due to its iron ore deposits, Toledo developed into an important settlement. Since the first barbarian invasions, the ancient walls were reinforced. In 411 the Alans and later the Visigoths conquered the city. Toledo was the capital of the Visigoths' empire from about 531 to 711.<br /> <br /> The Moors conquered the place in 712. Toledo experienced its heyday during the period of Moorish rule as Ṭulayṭula during the Caliphate of Córdoba until its conquest by Alfonso VI in 1085, after a four-year siege. In 1088, only a few years after the conquest, Archbishop Bernard of Toledo obtained confirmation from Pope Urban II that Toledo should hold the "primatus in totis Hispaniarum regnis" (primacy in all the kingdoms of the Iberian dominions). The Archbishop of Toledo is still today the Primate of the Catholic Church of Spain.<br /> <br /> In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Toledo school of translators translated ancient philosophical writings (Plato, Aristotle) that had been translated from Greek into Arabic, but also genuinely Arabic writings from the fields of astronomy, mathematics, Islamic religion and theology into Latin.<br /> <br /> After the conquest by Alfonso VI, Toledo became the residence of the Kingdom of Castile in 1087 and remained the capital of Spain until 1561.<br /> <br /> The cathedral was founded in 1226. Ferdinand III (aka “the Saint”) laid the first stone in 1227 after he had the old Visigothic church demolished. This had previously been converted into a mosque by the Moors and they wanted to radically remove this influence. The first architect, named “Master Martín” is mentioned in 1227. He either was French or had worked there before, as this building was clearly modeled after the Bourges Cathedral. It is widely believed to be one of the most important Gothic churches in Spain.<br /> <br /> It measures 120 meters in length by 59 meters in width and 44.5 meters high. It consists of five naves with a transept and double ambulatory.<br /> <br /> <br /> The story, the tympanum tells, starts on the left side of the bottom row:<br /> <br /> Annunciation - Visitation - Nativity - Annunciation to the Shepherds - The Magi leaving Herod - The Adoration of the Magi - The Dream of the Magi - Massacre of the Innocents<br /> <br /> It continues from right to left, starting with the Flight into Egypt</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52149552 tag:ipernity.com,2023-10-13,doc-52149552 Fri, 13 Oct 2023 08:44:33 +0000 2022-12-01T16:22:34+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52149552"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/95/52/52149552.082088f0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="212" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A Celtic castle existed here, from which resistance against the Romans originated. The city was nevertheless taken. Afterward, it began to be built as a Roman city and became an important Roman military base.<br /> <br /> In the second half of the 5th century, Segovia became part of the Visigoth Empire. From the 8th to the 11th centuries, Segovia was under Moorish possession. In 1085 Alfonso VI conquered the city. From the 13th to the 15th century it was a royal residence.<br /> <br /> La Santísima Trinidad was built in the 12th century, succeeding a smaller chapel from the end of the 11th century, the remains of which were discovered in 1984. The oldest part of the current church corresponds to the chancel, with the west door and atrium being a later work.To the south, as usual in the Segovian Romanesque period, is a gallery with colonnades based on semicircular arches on double columns.<br /> <br /> Nativity - Visitation<br /> <br /> Unfortunately, the church was locked.</div> Segovia - La Santísima Trinidad <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52149552"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/95/52/52149552.082088f0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="212" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A Celtic castle existed here, from which resistance against the Romans originated. The city was nevertheless taken. Afterward, it began to be built as a Roman city and became an important Roman military base.<br /> <br /> In the second half of the 5th century, Segovia became part of the Visigoth Empire. From the 8th to the 11th centuries, Segovia was under Moorish possession. In 1085 Alfonso VI conquered the city. From the 13th to the 15th century it was a royal residence.<br /> <br /> La Santísima Trinidad was built in the 12th century, succeeding a smaller chapel from the end of the 11th century, the remains of which were discovered in 1984. The oldest part of the current church corresponds to the chancel, with the west door and atrium being a later work.To the south, as usual in the Segovian Romanesque period, is a gallery with colonnades based on semicircular arches on double columns.<br /> <br /> Nativity - Visitation<br /> <br /> Unfortunately, the church was locked.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52118576 tag:ipernity.com,2023-09-16,doc-52118576 Sat, 16 Sep 2023 12:30:15 +0000 2022-12-01T15:11:33+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52118576"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/85/76/52118576.8ef1480d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="199" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Aranda de Duero, a city with a population of about 33,000, is the capital of the Ribera del Duero wine region.<br /> <br /> The church was built on a previous church in the Romanesque style. It is believed that work began in 1439. Since a council was held in the small church of San Juan in 1473, it is assumed that the church of Santa María was not yet completed. It was completed in 1503, but the Gothic facade from the 16th century was still missing.<br /> <br /> The impressive Gothic facade was built by, among others, Simón de Colonia and completed in 1615 by his son Francisco de Colonia. It shows the wealth and importance that the city had back then.<br /> <br /> The tympanum shows the Nativity / birth of Christ on the left side and the Epiphany/Adoration of the Magi on the right side. It's faded, but still polychrome.</div> Aranda de Duero - Santa María la Real <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52118576"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/85/76/52118576.8ef1480d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="199" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Aranda de Duero, a city with a population of about 33,000, is the capital of the Ribera del Duero wine region.<br /> <br /> The church was built on a previous church in the Romanesque style. It is believed that work began in 1439. Since a council was held in the small church of San Juan in 1473, it is assumed that the church of Santa María was not yet completed. It was completed in 1503, but the Gothic facade from the 16th century was still missing.<br /> <br /> The impressive Gothic facade was built by, among others, Simón de Colonia and completed in 1615 by his son Francisco de Colonia. It shows the wealth and importance that the city had back then.<br /> <br /> The tympanum shows the Nativity / birth of Christ on the left side and the Epiphany/Adoration of the Magi on the right side. It's faded, but still polychrome.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52082648 tag:ipernity.com,2023-08-25,doc-52082648 Fri, 25 Aug 2023 21:17:52 +0000 2022-12-01T14:19:10+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52082648"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/26/48/52082648.0ced36f4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="125" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Soria is located on the Douro River at about 1065 meters above sea level.<br /> <br /> A strategic enclave due to the struggles for territory between the kingdoms of Castile, Navarre, and Aragon, Soria became part of Castile definitively in 1134, during the reign of Alfonso VII. Alfonso VIII was born in Soria in 1155. Booming during the Late Middle Ages thanks to its border location and its control over the cattle industry. In 1380, a court order forbade the Jews to try their own criminal cases in court. In addition, a decree was confirmed, according to which Jews were not allowed to be employed in the royal administration or among the nobility. These resolutions served as the basis for hate speeches that led to the massacre of the Jewish population in 1391. Soria went into a slow decline over the next few centuries. It was damaged greatly during the Peninsular War.<br /> <br /> This church was built in the 12th century but underwent alterations later. In 1170 Alfonso VIII celebrated his nuptials with Eleanor of England here and had a new church with three naves erected, replacing the modest previous one. His wife Eleanor was the daughter of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, from whom she obtained the Duchy of Aquitaine which she brought as a dowry to her marriage.<br /> <br /> It has a façade with two orders of arcades at the sides of the portal, which is surmounted by a rose window. The portal has an elaborated archivolt with Biblical characters and scenes, including the 24 elders of the Apocalypse, the Massacre of the Innocents, the Youth, the Passion, and the death of Christ. The tympanum has representations of God the Father sitting with the Child, four angels with the symbols of the Evangelists, the prophet Isaiah and the Virgin Mary. The capitals on the jambs of the entry feature biblical scenes from Genesis and the life of Christ.<br /> <br /> Top - Visitation - Joseph - Nativity - First Bath<br /> <br /> Bottom - Massacre of the Innocents</div> Soria - Santo Domingo <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52082648"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/26/48/52082648.0ced36f4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="125" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Soria is located on the Douro River at about 1065 meters above sea level.<br /> <br /> A strategic enclave due to the struggles for territory between the kingdoms of Castile, Navarre, and Aragon, Soria became part of Castile definitively in 1134, during the reign of Alfonso VII. Alfonso VIII was born in Soria in 1155. Booming during the Late Middle Ages thanks to its border location and its control over the cattle industry. In 1380, a court order forbade the Jews to try their own criminal cases in court. In addition, a decree was confirmed, according to which Jews were not allowed to be employed in the royal administration or among the nobility. These resolutions served as the basis for hate speeches that led to the massacre of the Jewish population in 1391. Soria went into a slow decline over the next few centuries. It was damaged greatly during the Peninsular War.<br /> <br /> This church was built in the 12th century but underwent alterations later. In 1170 Alfonso VIII celebrated his nuptials with Eleanor of England here and had a new church with three naves erected, replacing the modest previous one. His wife Eleanor was the daughter of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, from whom she obtained the Duchy of Aquitaine which she brought as a dowry to her marriage.<br /> <br /> It has a façade with two orders of arcades at the sides of the portal, which is surmounted by a rose window. The portal has an elaborated archivolt with Biblical characters and scenes, including the 24 elders of the Apocalypse, the Massacre of the Innocents, the Youth, the Passion, and the death of Christ. The tympanum has representations of God the Father sitting with the Child, four angels with the symbols of the Evangelists, the prophet Isaiah and the Virgin Mary. The capitals on the jambs of the entry feature biblical scenes from Genesis and the life of Christ.<br /> <br /> Top - Visitation - Joseph - Nativity - First Bath<br /> <br /> Bottom - Massacre of the Innocents</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52076670 tag:ipernity.com,2023-08-20,doc-52076670 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 20:58:57 +0000 2022-12-01T12:36:22+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52076670"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/66/70/52076670.ebebf6d4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="183" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Soria is located on the Douro River at about 1065 meters above sea level.<br /> <br /> A strategic enclave due to the struggles for territory between the kingdoms of Castile, Navarre, and Aragon, Soria became part of Castile definitively in 1134, during the reign of Alfonso VII. Alfonso VIII was born in Soria in 1155. Booming during the Late Middle Ages thanks to its border location and its control over the cattle industry. In 1380, a court order forbade the Jews to try their own criminal cases in court. In addition, a decree was confirmed, according to which Jews were not allowed to be employed in the royal administration or among the nobility. These resolutions served as the basis for hate speeches that led to the massacre of the Jewish population in 1391. Soria went into a slow decline over the next few centuries. It was damaged greatly during the Peninsular War.<br /> <br /> The Knights Hospitaller settled in Soria in the 12th century. A document shows that in 1152 the Order had a church dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre, near the bridge over the Duero, the main entrance to the city from the east. A document from 1190 shows that the Hospitallers maintained a hospital here.<br /> <br /> Only the church was used until the end of the 18th century. The church was left to decay in the 19th century and was used as a cattle shed. Although the surviving buildings were among the first to be declared a Monumento Nacional in the province in 1882, they were left to decay. Only the roof of the church was repaired. Since 1992 the monastery has been part of the medieval section of the Museo Numantino in Soria.<br /> <br /> The Nativity</div> Soria - Monasterio de San Juan de Duero <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52076670"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/66/70/52076670.ebebf6d4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="183" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Soria is located on the Douro River at about 1065 meters above sea level.<br /> <br /> A strategic enclave due to the struggles for territory between the kingdoms of Castile, Navarre, and Aragon, Soria became part of Castile definitively in 1134, during the reign of Alfonso VII. Alfonso VIII was born in Soria in 1155. Booming during the Late Middle Ages thanks to its border location and its control over the cattle industry. In 1380, a court order forbade the Jews to try their own criminal cases in court. In addition, a decree was confirmed, according to which Jews were not allowed to be employed in the royal administration or among the nobility. These resolutions served as the basis for hate speeches that led to the massacre of the Jewish population in 1391. Soria went into a slow decline over the next few centuries. It was damaged greatly during the Peninsular War.<br /> <br /> The Knights Hospitaller settled in Soria in the 12th century. A document shows that in 1152 the Order had a church dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre, near the bridge over the Duero, the main entrance to the city from the east. A document from 1190 shows that the Hospitallers maintained a hospital here.<br /> <br /> Only the church was used until the end of the 18th century. The church was left to decay in the 19th century and was used as a cattle shed. Although the surviving buildings were among the first to be declared a Monumento Nacional in the province in 1882, they were left to decay. Only the roof of the church was repaired. Since 1992 the monastery has been part of the medieval section of the Museo Numantino in Soria.<br /> <br /> The Nativity</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51855730 tag:ipernity.com,2023-04-13,doc-51855730 Thu, 13 Apr 2023 18:43:09 +0000 2022-07-01T20:43:09+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51855730"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/57/30/51855730.67a82129.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="178" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A ford made it easier to cross the Adour in ancient times, later the Romans settled in the area. A Christian church may have existed as early as the 4th century<br /> <br /> Around 840 the Vikings led a devastating raid, but the town recovered and by the end of the 12th century the Count of Bigorre settled in his castle at Tarbes.<br /> <br /> At the end of the Middle Ages, the city consisted of six separate fortified towns. During the Wars of Religion in 1569, Jeanne d'Albret's troops burned the cathedral, the convents, and other churches, as well as the bishopric. The inhabitants were massacred.<br /> .<br /> <br /> The Jardin Massey is a large public garden built in the 19th century by Placide Massey horticulturist of the French King Louis Philippe I and the previous chief of the Palace of Versailles' gardens. The garden contains the cloister of the Saint-Sever-de-Rustan Abbey.<br /> <br /> Some elements of the cloister were originally built in the 15th century for the Carmelite monastery of Trie-sur-Baïse which had been severely damaged during the Huguenot Wars. These parts of the cloister were sold to the Abbey of Saint-Sever-de-Rustan for the restoration of the cloister there, as there as well a band of Huguenots, under the command of the Earl of Montgomery, had settled in the abbey for months, plundered the treasury and destroyed the church.<br /> <br /> The abbey got restored by the monks at the end of the 16th century and remodeled in the 18th century. It became state property in 1789 and was sold privately in 1792.<br /> <br /> In 1890, when numerous capitals had already been sold (some of which can be seen today in The Cloisters Museum in New York City), the remaining parts were bought by the city of Tarbes and moved to Jardin Massey.<br /> <br /> Nativity<br /> <br /> Annunciation to the shepherds<br /> <br /> Adoration of the Magi<br /> <br /> Flight into Egypt / Massacre of the Innocents</div> Tarbes - Jardin Massey <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51855730"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/57/30/51855730.67a82129.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="178" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A ford made it easier to cross the Adour in ancient times, later the Romans settled in the area. A Christian church may have existed as early as the 4th century<br /> <br /> Around 840 the Vikings led a devastating raid, but the town recovered and by the end of the 12th century the Count of Bigorre settled in his castle at Tarbes.<br /> <br /> At the end of the Middle Ages, the city consisted of six separate fortified towns. During the Wars of Religion in 1569, Jeanne d'Albret's troops burned the cathedral, the convents, and other churches, as well as the bishopric. The inhabitants were massacred.<br /> .<br /> <br /> The Jardin Massey is a large public garden built in the 19th century by Placide Massey horticulturist of the French King Louis Philippe I and the previous chief of the Palace of Versailles' gardens. The garden contains the cloister of the Saint-Sever-de-Rustan Abbey.<br /> <br /> Some elements of the cloister were originally built in the 15th century for the Carmelite monastery of Trie-sur-Baïse which had been severely damaged during the Huguenot Wars. These parts of the cloister were sold to the Abbey of Saint-Sever-de-Rustan for the restoration of the cloister there, as there as well a band of Huguenots, under the command of the Earl of Montgomery, had settled in the abbey for months, plundered the treasury and destroyed the church.<br /> <br /> The abbey got restored by the monks at the end of the 16th century and remodeled in the 18th century. It became state property in 1789 and was sold privately in 1792.<br /> <br /> In 1890, when numerous capitals had already been sold (some of which can be seen today in The Cloisters Museum in New York City), the remaining parts were bought by the city of Tarbes and moved to Jardin Massey.<br /> <br /> Nativity<br /> <br /> Annunciation to the shepherds<br /> <br /> Adoration of the Magi<br /> <br /> Flight into Egypt / Massacre of the Innocents</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51767282 tag:ipernity.com,2023-02-09,doc-51767282 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 20:51:12 +0000 2022-03-01T13:36:51+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51767282"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/72/82/51767282.406aabe7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="140" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">When the first barbarian people, the Alemanni invaded northern Italy, "Piacentia" was one of the first major Roman cities to be besieged. The Battle of Piacentia then broke out in front of the city walls in 271, during which the Alemanni inflicted a bitter defeat on the Romans. The fall of the city triggered panic in the capital.<br /> <br /> In 546, Totila subjugated Piacenza. After its conquest by the Franks in the ninth century, the city began to recover, aided by its location along the Via Francigena. Between 997 and 1035 the city was ruled by its bishops, installed by Otto III.<br /> <br /> In the 12th and 13th centuries, Piacenza was an important member of the Lombard League. As a rule, the city remained Guelph, but at times it called upon powerful Ghibellines to aid them against their native tyrants. In 1447 Piacenza was conquered and plundered by Francesco I Sforza. After being occupied by papal troops in 1512, it was united with Parma in 1545 to form a hereditary duchy under Pier Luigi II Farnese, a son of Pope Paul III.<br /> After the preceding "Domus Justinae" in Piacenza had collapsed in 1117 after an earthquake, the "Duomo di Piacenza" (aka "Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Giustina") was erected between 1122 and 1233. The cathedral has a total length of 85 m. making it the largest Romanesque church in Emilia-Romagna.<br /> <br /> Details of the facade. Wiligelmo da Modena s said to have contributed to the bas-reliefs.<br /> <br /> Annunciation - Visitation - Nativity - Annunciation to the shepherds - Adoration of the Magi</div> Piacenza - Duomo <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51767282"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/72/82/51767282.406aabe7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="140" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">When the first barbarian people, the Alemanni invaded northern Italy, "Piacentia" was one of the first major Roman cities to be besieged. The Battle of Piacentia then broke out in front of the city walls in 271, during which the Alemanni inflicted a bitter defeat on the Romans. The fall of the city triggered panic in the capital.<br /> <br /> In 546, Totila subjugated Piacenza. After its conquest by the Franks in the ninth century, the city began to recover, aided by its location along the Via Francigena. Between 997 and 1035 the city was ruled by its bishops, installed by Otto III.<br /> <br /> In the 12th and 13th centuries, Piacenza was an important member of the Lombard League. As a rule, the city remained Guelph, but at times it called upon powerful Ghibellines to aid them against their native tyrants. In 1447 Piacenza was conquered and plundered by Francesco I Sforza. After being occupied by papal troops in 1512, it was united with Parma in 1545 to form a hereditary duchy under Pier Luigi II Farnese, a son of Pope Paul III.<br /> After the preceding "Domus Justinae" in Piacenza had collapsed in 1117 after an earthquake, the "Duomo di Piacenza" (aka "Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e Santa Giustina") was erected between 1122 and 1233. The cathedral has a total length of 85 m. making it the largest Romanesque church in Emilia-Romagna.<br /> <br /> Details of the facade. Wiligelmo da Modena s said to have contributed to the bas-reliefs.<br /> <br /> Annunciation - Visitation - Nativity - Annunciation to the shepherds - Adoration of the Magi</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51750398 tag:ipernity.com,2023-01-25,doc-51750398 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:19:29 +0000 2022-03-01T14:35:28+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51750398"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/03/98/51750398.16931d36.240.jpg?r2" width="239" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as the capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families.<br /> <br /> In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art-loving, power-hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance.<br /> The Baptistery of San Giovanni is the baptistery of Florence Cathedral. The time of origin is disputed, the church was consecrated in the 11th century. The church stands on the foundations of a Roman building. The first reliable source dates from 897, when an ecclesia (church) dedicated to John the Baptist and facing the bishop's palace is mentioned.<br /> <br /> Today's building dates from the 11th century at the earliest. The octagon had been a common shape for baptisteries for many centuries since early Christian times. The construction was finished in 1128. An octagonal lantern was added to the roof around 1150. It was enlarged with a rectangular entrance porch in 1202, leading into the original western entrance of the building, that in the 15th century became an apse, after the opening of the eastern door facing the western door of the cathedral by Lorenzo Ghiberti.<br /> <br /> Between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, three bronze double doors were added, with bronze and marble statues above them.<br /> <br /> In 1329 Andrea Pisano was awarded the commission to design the first set of doors. An antetype for the doors was probably the Gate of the Pisa Cathedral, done by Bonanno Pisano around 1180. The wax model and the gilding at the end were done by Andrea Pisano, whereas the bronze casting was executed by Venetian masters. It took six years to complete the doors. The gate wings consist of 28 panels. The south doors were originally installed in 1336 on the east side, facing the Duomo, and were transferred to their present location in 1452. There is an inscription on top of the door: Andreas Ugolini Nini de Pisis me fecit A.D. MCCCXXX ("Andrea Pisano made me in 1330").<br /> <br /> The Nativity and the Annunciation to the shepherds.</div> Florence - Battistero di San Giovanni <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51750398"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/03/98/51750398.16931d36.240.jpg?r2" width="239" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as the capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families.<br /> <br /> In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art-loving, power-hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance.<br /> The Baptistery of San Giovanni is the baptistery of Florence Cathedral. The time of origin is disputed, the church was consecrated in the 11th century. The church stands on the foundations of a Roman building. The first reliable source dates from 897, when an ecclesia (church) dedicated to John the Baptist and facing the bishop's palace is mentioned.<br /> <br /> Today's building dates from the 11th century at the earliest. The octagon had been a common shape for baptisteries for many centuries since early Christian times. The construction was finished in 1128. An octagonal lantern was added to the roof around 1150. It was enlarged with a rectangular entrance porch in 1202, leading into the original western entrance of the building, that in the 15th century became an apse, after the opening of the eastern door facing the western door of the cathedral by Lorenzo Ghiberti.<br /> <br /> Between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, three bronze double doors were added, with bronze and marble statues above them.<br /> <br /> In 1329 Andrea Pisano was awarded the commission to design the first set of doors. An antetype for the doors was probably the Gate of the Pisa Cathedral, done by Bonanno Pisano around 1180. The wax model and the gilding at the end were done by Andrea Pisano, whereas the bronze casting was executed by Venetian masters. It took six years to complete the doors. The gate wings consist of 28 panels. The south doors were originally installed in 1336 on the east side, facing the Duomo, and were transferred to their present location in 1452. There is an inscription on top of the door: Andreas Ugolini Nini de Pisis me fecit A.D. MCCCXXX ("Andrea Pisano made me in 1330").<br /> <br /> The Nativity and the Annunciation to the shepherds.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51664716 tag:ipernity.com,2022-11-10,doc-51664716 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 23:42:41 +0000 2022-02-01T00:42:41+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51664716"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/47/16/51664716.b17bd947.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="225" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek, and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession.<br /> Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century.<br /> <br /> A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred<br /> <br /> In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful,<br /> <br /> The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings.<br /> <br /> In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages.<br /> <br /> -<br /> <br /> Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV.<br /> <br /> The "Palazzo dei Normanni" (also called "Royal Palace") was the seat of the Kings of Sicily during the Norman rule. The building was the imperial residence of Frederick II and Conrad IV.<br /> <br /> The first construction here was probably started in the 9th century by the Emir of Palermo. After the Norman conquest of Sicily in 1072, the palace became the main residence of the kings. The Normans rebuilt the former Arab palace for their needs. In 1132, King Roger II added the famous Cappella Palatina to the complex.<br /> <br /> The "Cappella Palatina" was built between 1132 and 1140 under King Roger II in the Norman-Arab-Byzantine style as a royal chapel inside the "Palazzo dei Normanni". It was inaugurated in 1140, but was not yet completed at the death of Roger II in 1154.<br /> <br /> The interior is breathtaking for any visitor. Unfortunately, there are no seats for the elderly who are dazzled by the splendor. The workshop that created the mosaics here also worked in Monreale, so the mosaics often look very similar.<br /> The Nativity Scene, the Magi, the First Bath.<br /> <br /> <br /> I have already uploaded a lot of photos previously taken here. Now I will add only a few. If you want to see more, follow this link:<br /> <a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333402" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333402</a></div> Palermo - Cappella Palatina <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51664716"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/47/16/51664716.b17bd947.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="225" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek, and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession.<br /> Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century.<br /> <br /> A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred<br /> <br /> In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful,<br /> <br /> The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings.<br /> <br /> In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages.<br /> <br /> -<br /> <br /> Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV.<br /> <br /> The "Palazzo dei Normanni" (also called "Royal Palace") was the seat of the Kings of Sicily during the Norman rule. The building was the imperial residence of Frederick II and Conrad IV.<br /> <br /> The first construction here was probably started in the 9th century by the Emir of Palermo. After the Norman conquest of Sicily in 1072, the palace became the main residence of the kings. The Normans rebuilt the former Arab palace for their needs. In 1132, King Roger II added the famous Cappella Palatina to the complex.<br /> <br /> The "Cappella Palatina" was built between 1132 and 1140 under King Roger II in the Norman-Arab-Byzantine style as a royal chapel inside the "Palazzo dei Normanni". It was inaugurated in 1140, but was not yet completed at the death of Roger II in 1154.<br /> <br /> The interior is breathtaking for any visitor. Unfortunately, there are no seats for the elderly who are dazzled by the splendor. The workshop that created the mosaics here also worked in Monreale, so the mosaics often look very similar.<br /> The Nativity Scene, the Magi, the First Bath.<br /> <br /> <br /> I have already uploaded a lot of photos previously taken here. Now I will add only a few. If you want to see more, follow this link:<br /> <a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333402" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333402</a></div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51635614 tag:ipernity.com,2022-10-21,doc-51635614 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 22:21:44 +0000 2022-10-22T00:21:44+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51635614"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/56/14/51635614.03d44b5c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="53" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">After the fall of the Roman Empire and the defeat of the Goths and Lombards, Apulia was reconquered by the Byzantine Empire. A Byzantine monastery was founded to control the population, which suffered from a heavy tax burden.<br /> <br /> After the expulsion of the Byzantines from Bari by Norman Roberto il Guiscardo in 1071 things changed. Bitetto was elevated to a bishopric and the archbishop received nearby Bitritto as a fief. The town was destroyed twice in 1164 by William the Wicked (Guglielmo il Malo) during the rebellion against his father Roger II.<br /> <br /> The church served as the cathedral of the diocese of Bitetto , which existed until 1818.<br /> <br /> The cathedral was built between 1026 and 1089, but the current appearance is due to a reconstruction in 1335, carried out by Master Lillo da Barletta. Further changes were made in the 16th century. These alterations required a new consecration so that in 1613 the cathedral, already consecrated in honor of Maria Assunta, was dedicated to the Archangel Michael.<br /> <br /> The portal has an early Gothic tympanum (prev upload) and older Romanesque sides, probably from the first construction. Here are four panels, the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, and the Massacre of the Innocents.</div> Bitetto - San Michele Arcangelo <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51635614"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/56/14/51635614.03d44b5c.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="53" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">After the fall of the Roman Empire and the defeat of the Goths and Lombards, Apulia was reconquered by the Byzantine Empire. A Byzantine monastery was founded to control the population, which suffered from a heavy tax burden.<br /> <br /> After the expulsion of the Byzantines from Bari by Norman Roberto il Guiscardo in 1071 things changed. Bitetto was elevated to a bishopric and the archbishop received nearby Bitritto as a fief. The town was destroyed twice in 1164 by William the Wicked (Guglielmo il Malo) during the rebellion against his father Roger II.<br /> <br /> The church served as the cathedral of the diocese of Bitetto , which existed until 1818.<br /> <br /> The cathedral was built between 1026 and 1089, but the current appearance is due to a reconstruction in 1335, carried out by Master Lillo da Barletta. Further changes were made in the 16th century. These alterations required a new consecration so that in 1613 the cathedral, already consecrated in honor of Maria Assunta, was dedicated to the Archangel Michael.<br /> <br /> The portal has an early Gothic tympanum (prev upload) and older Romanesque sides, probably from the first construction. Here are four panels, the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, and the Massacre of the Innocents.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51486192 tag:ipernity.com,2022-08-06,doc-51486192 Sat, 06 Aug 2022 11:07:44 +0000 2021-10-01T14:57:01+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51486192"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/61/92/51486192.54170c63.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="181" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Louis the Pious founded the bishopric of Hildesheim in 815. The settlement developed into a town and was granted market rights by King Otto III in 983. Craftsmen and merchants were attracted and the city developed into an important community. By 1167, Hildesheim was an almost completely walled market settlement.<br /> <br /> At the beginning of the 13th century, Hildesheim had about 5,000 inhabitants, and when Hildesheim received its city charter in 1249, it was one of the largest cities in northern Germany. The clergy ruled Hildesheim for four centuries before a town hall was built and the citizens gained influence and independence. In 1367, Hildesheim became a member of the Hanseatic League. But what is now called Hildesheim was various small "suburbs". After centuries of (sometimes armed) disputes, it was not until the end of the 16th century that a union was created and subsequently at least the inner wall was taken down Old and New Town.<br /> During the Thirty Years' War, Hildesheim was besieged and occupied several times. In 1813, after the Napoleonic Wars, the town became part of the Kingdom of Hanover, which was annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia as a province after the Austro-Prussian War in 1866.<br /> <br /> The air raids on Hildesheim in 1944/45 destroyed large parts of the city. Of the 1500 half-timbered houses, only 200 remained. 90 percent of the historic old town was destroyed in the firestorm.<br /> <br /> -<br /> Bishop Gunthar, who was in office in Hildesheim from 815 to 834 had a small basilica built. This served as the original cathedral. The next cathedral was built by Bishop Altfried in 872 as a cruciform three-aisled basilica with a two-story westwork. The building suffered severe fire damage in 1046. Bishop Hezilo built then incorporated the surviving walls into the new building using the foundation of the former basilica. Until the 14th century, further profound changes took place, but without deviating from the ground plan of the basilica. The side chapels date from the Gothic period. From 1840 to 1850, the original west building, which had fallen into disrepair, was replaced by a neo-Romanesque double tower front, which remained in place until 1945.<br /> <br /> During the air raids on Hildesheim in WWII, the cathedral was completely destroyed except for the west building, the southern nave arcades, and the outer walls. Only the crypt and the Laurentius Chapel from the 11th century were preserved.<br /> <br /> The cathedral was rebuilt in a simplified form between 1950 and 1960. The baroque elements were abandoned in favor of a form that took its cue from the early Romanesque style.<br /> <br /> -<br /> The Bernwardstür (Bernward Doors) are a pair of Romanesque bronze doors, made in 1015. They were commissioned by Bishop Bernward of Hildesheim. The door leaves were each cast from one piece. In view of the dimensions and the enormous weight (approx. 1.85 t each) of the door leaves, this is a great feat of craftsmanship for those times. The door was made using the lost wax casting method, which placed the highest demands on the workers in the foundry, as the mold could only be used once.<br /> <br /> The doors depict scenes from the Book of Genesis (left door) arranged in parallel to scenes from the Gospels (right door). The scenes are organized based on the principle that Adam and Christ mirror each other - with Christ's sacrificial death redeeming Adam's sin.<br /> <br /> They are considered a masterpiece of Ottonian art and feature the oldest known monumental image cycle in German sculpture, and also the oldest cycle of images cast in metal in Germany.<br /> <br /> The Nativity<br /> <br /> Baby Jesus is guarded by ox and donkey. Mary has lain down and Joseph in his typical depressed posture. Who is the person next to Mary? One of the midwives?</div> Hildesheim - Dom <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51486192"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/61/92/51486192.54170c63.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="181" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Louis the Pious founded the bishopric of Hildesheim in 815. The settlement developed into a town and was granted market rights by King Otto III in 983. Craftsmen and merchants were attracted and the city developed into an important community. By 1167, Hildesheim was an almost completely walled market settlement.<br /> <br /> At the beginning of the 13th century, Hildesheim had about 5,000 inhabitants, and when Hildesheim received its city charter in 1249, it was one of the largest cities in northern Germany. The clergy ruled Hildesheim for four centuries before a town hall was built and the citizens gained influence and independence. In 1367, Hildesheim became a member of the Hanseatic League. But what is now called Hildesheim was various small "suburbs". After centuries of (sometimes armed) disputes, it was not until the end of the 16th century that a union was created and subsequently at least the inner wall was taken down Old and New Town.<br /> During the Thirty Years' War, Hildesheim was besieged and occupied several times. In 1813, after the Napoleonic Wars, the town became part of the Kingdom of Hanover, which was annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia as a province after the Austro-Prussian War in 1866.<br /> <br /> The air raids on Hildesheim in 1944/45 destroyed large parts of the city. Of the 1500 half-timbered houses, only 200 remained. 90 percent of the historic old town was destroyed in the firestorm.<br /> <br /> -<br /> Bishop Gunthar, who was in office in Hildesheim from 815 to 834 had a small basilica built. This served as the original cathedral. The next cathedral was built by Bishop Altfried in 872 as a cruciform three-aisled basilica with a two-story westwork. The building suffered severe fire damage in 1046. Bishop Hezilo built then incorporated the surviving walls into the new building using the foundation of the former basilica. Until the 14th century, further profound changes took place, but without deviating from the ground plan of the basilica. The side chapels date from the Gothic period. From 1840 to 1850, the original west building, which had fallen into disrepair, was replaced by a neo-Romanesque double tower front, which remained in place until 1945.<br /> <br /> During the air raids on Hildesheim in WWII, the cathedral was completely destroyed except for the west building, the southern nave arcades, and the outer walls. Only the crypt and the Laurentius Chapel from the 11th century were preserved.<br /> <br /> The cathedral was rebuilt in a simplified form between 1950 and 1960. The baroque elements were abandoned in favor of a form that took its cue from the early Romanesque style.<br /> <br /> -<br /> The Bernwardstür (Bernward Doors) are a pair of Romanesque bronze doors, made in 1015. They were commissioned by Bishop Bernward of Hildesheim. The door leaves were each cast from one piece. In view of the dimensions and the enormous weight (approx. 1.85 t each) of the door leaves, this is a great feat of craftsmanship for those times. The door was made using the lost wax casting method, which placed the highest demands on the workers in the foundry, as the mold could only be used once.<br /> <br /> The doors depict scenes from the Book of Genesis (left door) arranged in parallel to scenes from the Gospels (right door). The scenes are organized based on the principle that Adam and Christ mirror each other - with Christ's sacrificial death redeeming Adam's sin.<br /> <br /> They are considered a masterpiece of Ottonian art and feature the oldest known monumental image cycle in German sculpture, and also the oldest cycle of images cast in metal in Germany.<br /> <br /> The Nativity<br /> <br /> Baby Jesus is guarded by ox and donkey. Mary has lain down and Joseph in his typical depressed posture. Who is the person next to Mary? One of the midwives?</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51341272 tag:ipernity.com,2022-05-25,doc-51341272 Wed, 25 May 2022 12:22:12 +0000 2021-09-01T14:52:38+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51341272"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/12/72/51341272.882f560d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="205" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Płock - Bronze door<br /> <br /> The town on the Vistula River has been known since the 9th century. In 1009 a Benedictine monastery was founded here. King Bolesław I the Brave built the original fortifications on the Cathedral Hill overlooking the Vistula River. In 1075, the city became the seat of a bishopric. From 1079 to 1138, during the reign of Władysław I Herman and Bolesław III. Wrymouth, the city was the capital of Poland. In 1144 the Płock Cathedral was completed, and in 1180 the first school in Poland was opened in the city, which still exists today as the Liceum Małachowianka.<br /> <br /> The 16th century was the golden age of the city before it suffered great population losses due to plague, fire and wars. In 1657, during the Second Northern War, the Swedes destroyed Płock, including the castle, but the population rebuilt it and recovered. In the late 18th century, the old city walls were torn down and a new town was built, where many German immigrants settled.<br /> <br /> During the second partition of Poland in 1793, the town was annexed by Prussia. In 1815 it became part of Congress Poland and later was annexed completely by the Russian Empire. In 1939, after the invasion of Poland, the city became part of the German Empire in violation of international law.<br /> <br /> The first mention of the cathedral dates back to 1102, when Władysław I Herman was buried there. The present Romanesque cathedral was rebuilt after a fire and lasted from 1136 to 1144, being consecrated in 1144.<br /> <br /> The Romanesque bronze door was created in Magdeburg in 1152-1154 by order of the Bishop of Płock and was originally installed in the cathedral. Through the mediation of the Bishop of Magdeburg, the order was given to Master Riquinus. Master Awram from Novgorod was also involved.<br /> <br /> The components of the door were cast individually from bronze and nailed to the wooden door in partially reversed order. The sequence of images was changed several times and Russian inscriptions were added.<br /> <br /> Between the panels with figural motifs there are wide borders. In total, the door consists of 26 panels. Between the panels there were borders with plant ornaments, which were replaced in the upper part by figural motifs of knights and animals.<br /> <br /> The panels depict the cycle of redemption, starting with the scene of the creation of the first man and ending with Christ enthroned as the judge of the world, surrounded by symbols of the evangelists.<br /> <br /> The door handles are designed in the form of lion heads holding small human heads in half-open mouths. <br /> <br /> The door remained in Płock for about 250 years, then it was brought to Novgorod and installed in St. Sophia's Cathedral. Either it was stolen by the Lithuanians during a raid in the 13th century or it was given to the Prince of Novgorod, Simon Lingwen, the brother of Władysław II. Jagiełło.<br /> <br /> Today there is a bronze copy in Płock. The original is in Novgorod.<br /> <br /> The Nativity. Mary rests under a very pretty blanket.</div> Płock - Bronze door <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51341272"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/12/72/51341272.882f560d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="205" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Płock - Bronze door<br /> <br /> The town on the Vistula River has been known since the 9th century. In 1009 a Benedictine monastery was founded here. King Bolesław I the Brave built the original fortifications on the Cathedral Hill overlooking the Vistula River. In 1075, the city became the seat of a bishopric. From 1079 to 1138, during the reign of Władysław I Herman and Bolesław III. Wrymouth, the city was the capital of Poland. In 1144 the Płock Cathedral was completed, and in 1180 the first school in Poland was opened in the city, which still exists today as the Liceum Małachowianka.<br /> <br /> The 16th century was the golden age of the city before it suffered great population losses due to plague, fire and wars. In 1657, during the Second Northern War, the Swedes destroyed Płock, including the castle, but the population rebuilt it and recovered. In the late 18th century, the old city walls were torn down and a new town was built, where many German immigrants settled.<br /> <br /> During the second partition of Poland in 1793, the town was annexed by Prussia. In 1815 it became part of Congress Poland and later was annexed completely by the Russian Empire. In 1939, after the invasion of Poland, the city became part of the German Empire in violation of international law.<br /> <br /> The first mention of the cathedral dates back to 1102, when Władysław I Herman was buried there. The present Romanesque cathedral was rebuilt after a fire and lasted from 1136 to 1144, being consecrated in 1144.<br /> <br /> The Romanesque bronze door was created in Magdeburg in 1152-1154 by order of the Bishop of Płock and was originally installed in the cathedral. Through the mediation of the Bishop of Magdeburg, the order was given to Master Riquinus. Master Awram from Novgorod was also involved.<br /> <br /> The components of the door were cast individually from bronze and nailed to the wooden door in partially reversed order. The sequence of images was changed several times and Russian inscriptions were added.<br /> <br /> Between the panels with figural motifs there are wide borders. In total, the door consists of 26 panels. Between the panels there were borders with plant ornaments, which were replaced in the upper part by figural motifs of knights and animals.<br /> <br /> The panels depict the cycle of redemption, starting with the scene of the creation of the first man and ending with Christ enthroned as the judge of the world, surrounded by symbols of the evangelists.<br /> <br /> The door handles are designed in the form of lion heads holding small human heads in half-open mouths. <br /> <br /> The door remained in Płock for about 250 years, then it was brought to Novgorod and installed in St. Sophia's Cathedral. Either it was stolen by the Lithuanians during a raid in the 13th century or it was given to the Prince of Novgorod, Simon Lingwen, the brother of Władysław II. Jagiełło.<br /> <br /> Today there is a bronze copy in Płock. The original is in Novgorod.<br /> <br /> The Nativity. Mary rests under a very pretty blanket.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51304696 tag:ipernity.com,2022-05-06,doc-51304696 Fri, 06 May 2022 22:50:19 +0000 2021-09-01T11:30:45+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51304696"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/46/96/51304696.f9529f7d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="184" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">St. Mikołaja is a single-nave rural church, situated on a small hill. It was founded at the end of the 12th century by Bishop Iwo Odrowąż relative of St. Jacek Odrowąż (aka "Hyacinth of Poland"). The building, completed in the 13th century has not much changed over the centuries, it is still visible that it served as a fortified place to shelter people in times of attacks and riots. <br /> <br /> The tympanum of the church portal in Wysocice bears a mystery. In the center, there is Christ, sitting on the throne, and trampling two beasts. Christ blesses with his right hand, and in his left hand, he holds the symbol of the resurrection - across with a flag. On one side the Nativity is depicted, and on the other, a bishop is kneeling with a chalice and a monk with his hands raised. <br /> <br /> This tympanum may have been originally in a Norbertine convent from where it may have been transferred to Wysocice. In case the tympanum, probably carved in the early 13th century, was created for this church, the donor can only be Bishop Iwo Odrową.</div> Wysocice - Kościół św. Mikołaja <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/51304696"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/46/96/51304696.f9529f7d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="184" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">St. Mikołaja is a single-nave rural church, situated on a small hill. It was founded at the end of the 12th century by Bishop Iwo Odrowąż relative of St. Jacek Odrowąż (aka "Hyacinth of Poland"). The building, completed in the 13th century has not much changed over the centuries, it is still visible that it served as a fortified place to shelter people in times of attacks and riots. <br /> <br /> The tympanum of the church portal in Wysocice bears a mystery. In the center, there is Christ, sitting on the throne, and trampling two beasts. Christ blesses with his right hand, and in his left hand, he holds the symbol of the resurrection - across with a flag. On one side the Nativity is depicted, and on the other, a bishop is kneeling with a chalice and a monk with his hands raised. <br /> <br /> This tympanum may have been originally in a Norbertine convent from where it may have been transferred to Wysocice. In case the tympanum, probably carved in the early 13th century, was created for this church, the donor can only be Bishop Iwo Odrową.</div> Martin M. Miles