The Magi

Sant'Andrea, believed to have been Pistoia´s ancient cathedral, is thought to date back to the period of Lombard domination. The present day church dates to the mid 12th century. It is located on the Via Francigena, one of the major pilgrim-routes to Rome. The facade, with bichrome marble decorations, is divided by five arches with columns and rhomboid motifs. The carvings were executed in the mid-12th century by Pisan brothers Gruamonte and Adeodatus. Here is a closer look on to the lintel above the central door. The Magi on their way - Meeting Herod - Adoration of the Magi There is a "signature" below: FECIT HOC OP(US) GRUAMONS MAGIST(ER) BON(US) ET AD(EO)DAT(US) FRATER EJUS.. The inscription continues below. Some scholars claim, that it may have been actually added later.

Zadar´s "Arheoloski Muzej", located next to the Roman Forum and St. Donatus holds an incredible collection of medieval artefacts. Here are details of carved panels, that were once part of an altar screen in the Church of St. Demenica ("Sv. Nediljica") in Zadar. They are dated 1030/1040. Zadar had been part of the Byzantine Empire upto about 1000, when after raids of pirates, it sheltered under Venetian power. - Obviously the cultural influence from Byzanz was still very strong. Mary, seated on a folding chair, having Jesus on her knees, welcomes the Magi. Little Jesus, just a few days old, masters already the blessing gesture. The Magi resemble older carvings in Ravenna on the western side of the Adriatic Sea. Just like them, they wear phrygian caps. They are clearly "byzantine" in style. Younger carvings mostly show the Magi wearing crowns. A political symbol, probably invented by a gifted spin doctor, bringing the Magi into an ancestral line with the medieval Kings.

Zadar´s "Arheoloski Muzej", located next to the Roman Forum and St. Donatus holds an incredible collection of medieval artefacts. Here are details of carved panels, that were once part of an altar screen in the Church of St. Demenica ("Sv. Nediljica") in Zadar. They are dated 1030/1040. Zadar had been part of the Byzantine Empire upto about 1000, when after raids of pirates, it sheltered under Venetian power. - Obviously the cultural influence from Byzanz was still very strong. While on the left the shepherds watch the "First Bath" (under the Star of Bethlehem), Mary, seated on a folding chair, having Jesus on her knees, welcomes the Magi. The Magi resemble older carvings in Ravenna on the western side of the Adriatic Sea. Just like them, they wear phrygian caps. They are clearly "byzantine" in style. Younger carvings mostly show the Magi wearing crowns. A political symbol, probably invented by a gifted spin doctor, bringing the Magi into an ancestral line with the medieval Kings.

The adoration of the Magi. St. Mary holds the child, sitting on a chair. Her face and the childs face are destroyed. Behind them is a large nimbs. The three Magi standing on the left. All bodies (very slim and long) are placed on top of two creatures. The left seems to be a bull or ox (hoofs and horns), the right could be a lion (mane). Around this central group are five angels. Four of them blow horns (oliphants?), one tall angel stands behind Mary and is writing into a book. The round flowerlike carving left to the nimbus may be the star that led the Magi. The lintel depicts Adam and Eve on the left, followed by "The Meal at the House of Simon the Pharisee", as only there Marie-Madeleine wipes Jesus' feet with her hair. Though the disciples have different looks and gestures, the legs, the feet and even the pleats of the garments below the table - are nearly identical.

Already within the 5th century existed a church here, at that time far out of the city walls of Como. It served at the bishop´s seat upto 1007, when Bishop Alberico moved the seat into the town - and the church entrusted to the Benedictines. The monks, with strong support of Henry II (aka "Saint Henry") rebuilt the basilica between 1022 and 1095. Pope Urban II consecrated the new basilica in June 1095, about 6 months before he preached the First Crusade on the Council of Clermont. There are parallels between Sant'Abbondio and cathedrals erected the same time north of the Alps. Henry II was the last emperor of the Ottonian dynasty, who have been powerful sponsors for many churches within the Holy Roman Empire. The extraordinary frescoes of the apse are attributed to an otherwise unknown "Master of Sant'Abbondio". They are dated 1315 - 1324. Here are on the left the "Adoration of the Magi" and on the right the "Sleeping Magi". An angel warns them not to return to Herod.

On the ruins of a older basilica begann, just next to the Baptistère Saint-Jean the construction of large Cathédrale Saint-Pierre in 1162. The building, the new the seat of the Archbishop of Poitiers, was greatly funded by Henry II of England (aka "Henri II Plantagenêt") and Eleanor of Aquitaine. The construction started as usual in the east and was completed with the western facade end of the 13th century. The transition from the late Romanesque to the Gothic style is visible. The "Porte Saint Michel" a small side portal was probably created around 1180. Here is a detail from the left side. The Magi First - I saw the three heads of the "Sleeping Magi" to the very left, but the carving is too damaged. The three objects may be as well "foliage" of a large tree. Further right the Magi´s horses with grooms and to the right the crowned Magi line up in front of - Herod!! - For a while I saw the Magi in Bethlehem, but there is no child on the knees. A small devil lurks over Herod's right shoulder.

The first church, dedicated to Saint Maurice, was built here on order of Lidoire, bishop of Tours from 337 to 371 (preceding Saint Martin). This church burnt down 561, it was restored by Gregory of Tours in 590. This church then got replaced by a Romanesque structure, that again burnt in 1166 during the conflict between Louis VII of France and Henry II of England, who as well was Count of Anjou. The erection of the present cathedral started around 1170 The chancel was built 1236 to 1279, but the nave took longer to build. It was completed end of the 14th century, before the Gothic facade was finished about 100 years later. In 1562 Huguenot iconoclasts created great damages here, but they did not destroy the 13th century stained glass windows of the choir. Here is a detail from the "nativity window". The "Dream of the Magi" and the Magi on their way home. For many pilgrims on their way to Santiago, the Magi were ideals, as they took a long way as well. So it is no surprise, that the Magi can be found frequently along the "chemin".

The first church, dedicated to Saint Maurice, was built here on order of Lidoire, bishop of Tours from 337 to 371 (preceding Saint Martin). This church burnt down 561, it was restored by Gregory of Tours in 590. This church then got replaced by a Romanesque structure, that again burnt in 1166 during the conflict between Louis VII of France and Henry II of England, who as well was Count of Anjou. The erection of the present cathedral started around 1170 The chancel was built 1236 to 1279, but the nave took longer to build. It was completed end of the 14th century, before the Gothic facade was finished about 100 years later. In 1562 Huguenot iconoclasts created great damages here, but they did not destroy the 13th century stained glass windows of the choir. Here is a detail from the "nativity window" (previous upload). The Magi on their way, following the star. Their visit at the palace of Herod (holding a sword). Above is the "Adoration of the Magi".

Since the times of Hugh Capet, the first King of the Franks of the House of Capet, Étampes was an important place. It was a crown domain between Paris and Orleans. Hugh´s son Robert II (aka "Robert the Pious") built a stronghold here and founded a collegiate here in the 11th century. The former collegiate church Notre-Dame-du-Fort was erected within the 12th century in (traditional) Romanesque and (modern) Gothic style. Only the crypt dates back to the earlier 10th century-church. Here the relics of the martyrs Cantius, Cantianus, and Cantianilla were kept. The popular saints were orphaned siblings beheaded during Diocletian's persecution. "Robert the Pious" had transferred the relics to Étampes from Milano. Meanwhile Notre-Dame-du-Fort serves the parish. In 1562, during the first War of Religions, the Calvinist troops raided and ransacked the church. Here is, what the vandals left of the tympanum over the western portal, erected within the 13th century. All carvings that could be reached during the fury iconoclasm are severely damaged. In case something was spared, it got smashed during the French Revolution. "The story" can still be seen. It starts in the left corner of the low tier (from left to right) - the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-39) - the Visitation (Luke 1:39–56) - the Nativity of Jesus - the Annunciation to the shepherds (Luke 2:8–14) - the Massacre of the Innocents (Matthew 2:16-18) - the Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15) The upper tier depicts in the center - the Adoration of the Magi. Mary seated on a wooden throne. - I am not sure about the left side. The Magi´s three horses? Is there a wing of an angel? - to the right are the Dreaming Magi.

There have been five cathedrals on this site. One was destroyed by Visigothic troops mid of the 8th century. The successive cathedral was burnt down by Vikings ("Danes") in 858. The carolingian structure that was erected within the next decades was burnt down in 962 by troops led by Richard I of Normandy (aka "Richard the Fearless", "Richard Sans-Peur"). The rebuilding started again, but whatever was completed got destroyed by a fire, caused accidently, in 1020. The erection of a Romanesque cathedral started and most of the still existing crypt dates back to that building. In 1134, another fire damaged the town and large parts of the cathedral. The towers got repaired and rebuilt and the portal between them got created. Another blaze hit the town in June 1194. The cathedral was burnt down. Construction works started the same year. The western towers and the undamaged western portal ("Portail Royal") got integrated into the new building. The nave was already vaulted in 1220, the transept and the stained windows were completed in 1260. On 24 October 1260, only 66 years after the start of construction, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame was consecrated in the presence of Louis IX of France (aka "Saint Louis", "le Prudhomme"). Since Charles the Bald, Louis the Pious´ son, had given the "Sancta Camisia" to the cathedral in 876. Because of this "Veil of the Virgin" Chartres developed into a very important Marian pilgrimage center in medieval times. The cathedral has been fortunate in being spared the damage suffered by so many during the Wars of Religion, the Revolution and even WWII. In 1939, just before the German army invaded France, all medieval galls windows were removed, so the 176 medieval windows stayed intact. The oldest of these windows date back to ab 1150. They had been installed already the preceding cathedral, that burnt down. The most stained glass windows seen here were created between 1215 and 1240. The Dream of the Magi. The dreaming Magi are warned by an angel about the intentions of Herod. Matthew 2:11-12 "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route"

The village Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, named after a bishop of the once existing diocese here,was just like neighbouring Valcabrère once part of a large Roman settlement, that may have had about 30.000 inhabitants. In the early 5th century the Vandals sacked the city, in 585 merovingian troops razed the site, that probably had the bishopric seat already at that time. Saint Bertrand of Comminges (1073–1123) restored and fortified the town. He commissioned the erection of the cathedral. Saint Bertrand´s tomb was a center of regional pilgrimage already before he got canonized around 1220. Pope Clement V, who had once been Bishop of this diocese, strongly promoted the pilgrimage, so that soon after the Romanesque church was to small for the many "pelerins". Between 1304 and 1352 the major part of old nave got demolished to make room for a new, larger Gothic nave. In 1586, during the Wars of Religion, the cathedral was looted and severely damaged by the Huguenot troops. It took the next centuries to restore and repair. Saint-Bertrand´s relics were hidden during the Huguenot raids and are meanwhile back in the cathedral. The Adoration of the Magi is depicted in the tympanum, while the twelve pose between under arches in the basement. I have the impression, that Joseph, who "normally" is placed in Maria´s back here is replaced by Bishop Saint Betrand. The whole stone seems to be integrated into the tympanum, maybe it was originally created for another place. Note the palatial chair, Maria sits on. There are inscriptions. "MARIA MATER" over Maria´s shoulder, "FILIUM DEI" near the child. Over the heads of the Magi insripted is "ET LEO FAR ET MIRON ASPRON". I learned from an 19th-century-explanation that this is a mixture between Greek and Latin. So it chould mean "I bring FAR - flour - MIRON - myrrh - ASPRON - gold/silver." More infos can be found at the cathedral´s website: www.cathedrale-saint-bertrand.org/

The construction of the "Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens" started in 1220, after a predecessor Romanesque church burnt down two years earlier. Unusual for medieval structures, the first architects are known here. Robert de Luzarches was the architect until 1228. He was followed by Thomas de Cormont until 1258. His son, Renaud de Cormont, acted as the architect until 1288. Today Amiens Cathedral is the largest existing Gothic cathedral in France. There was a lot of competition between the cities and towns about the largest nave, the highest vaults. The long and relatively peaceful reign of Louis IX (aka "Saint Louis") brought prosperity to the region, so that Amiens could afford such a structure. The cathedral is 145m long (interior length 133,50m). The volume of the structure is about 200.000m³, Notre Dame de Paris has only about 100.000m³ The western facade is dotted with lots of bas-relief medallions. Here are two of them. To the left the "Dream of the Magi", to the right the Magi in a ship. I have never seen them sailing, all icons I saw so far, they were riding horses. Thanks to "tereliyesajjan", I found this impressive and highly interesting websites: www.medievalart.org.uk/Amiens/Amiens_default.htm

In Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, St. Remi founded a bishopric in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071. This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (and described as greedy and very violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France. Stained glass can be found in nearly all Gothic cathedrals in France. Techniques for the production of colored glass and for the manufacturing of large windows out of it, was fast developing during the 11 th century. The "Dream of the Magi". The angel awakes one of the Magi to tell him, not to return to Herod.

In Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, St. Remi founded a bishopric in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071. This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (and described as greedy and very violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France. Stained glass can be found in nearly all Gothic cathedrals in France. Techniques for the production of colored glass and for the manufacturing of large windows out of it, was fast developing during the 11 th century. The dream of the Magi and the Magi travelling to Bethlehem. I'll upload more details photos next.

The "Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges" was erected as a replacement for a 11th-century structure. The construction started probably in the last quarter of the 12th century, around the same time, when the builders and bricklayers started in Chartres. The choir of the cathedral was in use by 1214, the nave was finished 1255. The cathedral was consecrated in 1324. The western facade was finished by 1270. It is very wide (42m), as the four side aisles and central nave each have their own portal. There are even two more (side-) portals, older ones, that were once part of the Romanesque cathedral that got demolished and was replaced end of the 12th century, by the structure seen today. Near the northern portal are some mutilated carvings. This one may be created within the 15th century. I am sure, that seen here is the "Adoration of the Magi". To the left is the head of an ass, symbolizing the nativity scene. Mary is seated in the center. One of the Magi is already on his knees. The very right Magi holds a vessel (frankincense?).

The Monasterio de San Pedro el Viejo ("Saint Peter the Old") is a former Benedictine monastery, built within the 12th century. A church had existed here (built on the place of a Roman temple) since Visigothic times and even, when the Moors hold Huesca, this church was in use. Christian troops conquered Huesca in 1096 and from 1117 on Benedictines with obvious ties to Cluny reconstructed the church and erected a monasterio here. The Benedictian monastery needed a decent cloister. This got erected adjoining the church around 1140. Many of the capitals were carved by the "Master of Agüero" (aka "Master of San Juan de la Peña") or his workshop. The doors below this tympanum lead from the cloister to the nave of the church. At least three chrismons can be found on tympana in San Pedro el Viejo. This one, hold by two angels, is one of them. Below are the Magi, adoring the Virgin and Child. The scene seems like "organized" by a family-photographer. All pictured persons here face the audience. Even the Magi, who is just handing over his present, has turned his face to the onlooker. Joseph, who can often be found contemplating (sleeping) in this scene, is greeting the audience. The Magi can often be found along the pilgrim-routes. Cluny, the burgundian abbey, that was highly important to develop these routes, may have "distributed" this scene. Just like the Magi followed the "Star of Bethlehem", the pilgrims followed the camino on their way to CompoSTELLA. The scene is framed by two objects, that look like christmas-trees, but they must stand for something different, as Christmas trees were "invented" in the Alsace around 1500.

The "Catedral de Santa Maria" in Huesca got erected over 300 years. The building started end of the 13th century in gothic style, replacing a mosque that had served as a church, since Huesca was conquered in 1096 by Christian troops led by Peter I of Aragon. The diocesan museum, that is hosted inside the cathedral displays an extraordenary collection of medieval art. As the Magi, following the Star of Bethlehem, were "role models" for many pilgrims following the camino on the way to Santiago de CompoSTELA, the Magi can often be found along the old "routes". Here are the Magi adorating Virgin and Child. One of the Magi kisses the child´s feet (just like seen in near Agüero). Please note that the left Magi is - black! Very common later, but absolutely uncommon for the time! I leaned, that the altarpiece, seen here in a detail, was donated by King Pedro IV to the cathedral in 1367. It was given in compensation for the seizure of silver lamps during the war again Peter I of Castile. 1367 this work was "state of the art".

The "Catedral de Santa Maria" in Huesca got erected over 300 years. The building started end of the 13th century in gothic style, replacing a mosque that had served as a church, since Huesca was conquered in 1096 by Christian troops led by Peter I of Aragon. The diocesan museum, that is hosted inside the cathedral displays an extraordenary collection of medieval art, including some Romanesque reliquaries. As the Magi, following the Star of Bethlehem, were "role models" for many pilgrims following the camino on the way to Santiago de CompoSTELA, the Magi can often be found along the old "routes". Here are the Magi adorating Virgin and Child. The work has a stunning quality. There are three horses on the left, one is probably a grey horse. The Star of Bethlehem has stopped next to the arch.