the merovingian age
Transcription
the merovingian age
PRESS RELEASE July 2016 THE MEROVINGIAN AGE 26 October, 2016 - 13 February, 2017 th Reflecting Roman influences and distinguished by unprecedented forms of power, the start of the Middle Ages is marked by the development of original forms of expression which have often been overlooked. The exhibition The Merovingian Age, which will be shown at the Cluny Museum from October 26th 2016 to February 13th 2017 offers a lavish panorama of the artistic and intellectual productivity of this period of three centuries, beginning with the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains in 451 and culminating with the deposition of the last of the « Kings who did nothing » in 751. More than 150 objects, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, works of gold and silversmiths, coins, textiles and even charters have been brought together thanks to a partnership with the National Library of France. Many masterpieces from the Cabinet des Médailles are on show, including the remains of the treasure of King Childeric, the treasure of Gourdon and the famous throne of Dagobert. The Frankish kingdom was one of a multitude of new kingdoms loyal to an enduring imperial ideal inspired by Rome but influenced by Germanic and Anglo-Saxon practices. The spread of Christianity led to the development of new beliefs : the cult of relics, at the same time as some pagan traditions were incorporated into the liturgical rituals which emerged during this period. This profound originality reveals itself in the artistic production of the Merovingians, and in the wealth of materials and colors that are astonishing even today. The diversity of written forms demonstrates the intellectual expansion which enlivens monastic and episcopal centers, the creative sources where an erudite culture developed. Works of art such as the chasuble of Queen Bathilde, coins, or the charters of Frankish kings attest to the complexity of expressions of power, combining a classical heritage with innovative forms. 6 place Paul Painlevé 75005 Paris T : 01 53 73 78 00 F : 01 46 34 51 75 musee-moyenage.fr @museecluny Manuscripts of the VIIth and VIIIth centuries coming notably from the department of Manuscripts of the National Library of France, the libraries of Laon and Autun, the National Library of Russia, the Vatican Library, and the National Archives of France, are placed in a new dialogue with the collections of the Cluny Museum and the loans from the National Museum of Archaeology at Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the British Museum ; the Museum of the art and history of the Jura at Delemont, and the Museum Alfred-Bonno at Chelles. A gateway to the thousands of years of European history we call the Middle Ages the Merovingian age is very different from the image of barbarian rule with which they are often associated. Framed in the majestic frigidarium of the thermal baths of Lutèce, the exhibition plunges the visiteur into the heart of three hundred years of artistic and literary wealth. Press contact Aline Damoiseau Press officer & editorial communication [email protected] T. +33 (0)1 53 73 78 25 P. +33 (0)6 09 23 51 65 Practical information Musée de Cluny National Museum of the Middle Ages 6, place Paul Painlevé 75005 Paris T. + 33 (0)1 53 73 78 16 musee-moyenage.fr Days and hours of opening Every day except Tuesday, from 9:15 am to 5:45 pm. Desk closes at 5:15 pm. Closed 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. Bookshop/Shop 9:15 am to 6 pm, free access T. + 33 (0)1 53 73 78 22 Access : Métro Cluny-La‑Sorbonne /SaintMichel / Odéon Bus n° 21 – 27 – 38 – 63 – 85 – 86 – 87 RER B and C line, stop at Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame station Rates Full price: 9€ Concessions: 7€ Free for UE nationals under 26 Free for everybody on the first sunday of each month @museecluny comment and share on twitter using the hashtag #ExpoMerovingiens Also, starting September 2016, come discover two other exhibitions on the Middle Ages ! Austrasie, le royaume mérovingien oublié - Exhibition at Espace Camille Claudel, Saint-Dizier From 16 September, 2016 to 26 March, 2017 - Exhibition at Musée d’archéologie nationale, Saint-Germain-en-Laye From 22 April to October 2017 Quoi de neuf au Moyen Âge ? Exhibition at Cité des sciences et de l’industrie From 11 October, 2016 to 6 August,2017 Crédit photo : Crosse dite de saint Germain, MJ 32. Collection du Musée jurassien d’art et d’histoire, Delémont © Bernard Migy