ANGOULEME

. The cathedral of Angouleme (Charente), the fourth since Roman times, retains much of its former majesty despite the unfortunate restorations of Abadie in the 19th century. Begun ca.1110, it belongs to a distinctive group of churches characterized by a single nave covered with a series of domes. The western bay, with its simple arches and massive supports, is among the earliest of this type; however, its primitive austerity was altered by Abadie to harmonize with the two succeeding bays. The “Byzantine” crossing is an Abadie invention; of the four radiating chapels, only that of the northwest is original. The bell tower of the north transept, with its light-filled base, rich carvings, octagonal cupola, and elegant five-storied exterior, is striking in its boldness.

The entire western fagade displays a grand theme of triumph, beginning with the Mission of the Apostles in the false tympana and culminating in the apparition of the Son of Man surrounded by the symbols of the four Evangelists

Angouleme (Charente), Saint-Pierre.

Photograph courtesy of Whitney S.

Stoddard.

And attendant angels. The sculpture of the upper level, the most accomplished of the several campaigns, shows affinities with the art of Languedoc. Abadie additions include the superstructure, with its gable and flanking turrets, the sculpture of the central tympanum, that of St. George and St. Martin, and the head of Christ.

Jean M. French

[See also: ANGOUMOIS; PERIGUEUX]

Daras, Charles. La cathedrale d’Angouleme, chef-d’wuvre monumental de GirardII. Angouleme: Corignan et Lachanaud, 1942.

Dubourg-Noves, Pierre. Iconographie de la cathedrale d’Angouleme de 1575 a 1880. 2 vols.

Angouleme: Societe Archeologique et Historique de la Charente, 1973.

Sauvel, Tony. “La faqade de Saint-Pierre d’Angouleme.” Bulletin monumental 103(1945):175-99. Serbat, Louis. “Angouleme.” Congres archeologique (Angouleme) 79(1913):3-36.