Marriages and peace treaties

[lakejessup]

wow more great shots i dont think you have too worry about to many pics of the same subject. really enjoy your series

[Mr P]

IN THE WORKSHOP

A simple device for checking and transferring contours
#28


#29


The students each get a slab of stone on which to practise

#30


These three photos by Mrs P

It really is something not only to discover such a school but also to discover that it has a lot of students. These two and their fellows are French, here on vacation study.

Mr P

[Mr P]

DISPLAY

Here are two pieces which are on display in the cloister - I suppose they are the work of more advanced students.
#31


#32


The ones which really fascinate me with their workmanship are these undercut and hollowed-out carvings. We'll see more of them later in the pillars of the Unfinished Chapels.

Mr P

[lakejessup]

wow and these are all from one piece of stone not epoxied together?

[Mr P]

Originally Posted by lakejessup

wow and these are all from one piece of stone not epoxied together?

Exactly, and some, especially the statues, can be even bigger! I'll show you a small statue-in-the-making tomorrow.

Mr P

[Mr P]

#33


I'm not sure if this was intended to be a terracotta statue in its own right or a model for a stone carving. The photo was taken some time ago - you can see that the "master's" bust was not yet on its plinth.

Mr P

[Mr P]

#34


As you walk around Batalha you come across all kinds of odd little decorations like these. On the second rightmost, the mark between the two 'faces' and the cross mark at the top of the photo are masons' marks. Each had his own.

It is obvious on the right where a piece of a pillar plinth has been replaced, no doubt with a piece made in the cloister.

Mr P

[Mr P]

We move on to the 'Unfinished Chapels' tacked on to the East end of the main church. They were to be the (then) King Duarte's pantheon. (The name Duarte can be translated as 'Edward'.) There are seven chapels in the octagonal building which is an absolute riot of Manueline carving.

However, the monastery of Belém was also being constructed at that time. It took precedence, (no doubt there was only a certain amount of money), the work at Batalha stopped and the Chapels were eventually abandoned, still roofless. Nevertheless, the tomb of of Duarte and Leonor stands in one of the chapels but not in the centre (as intended) which remains under the open skies.

#35


Judging by the height of the pillars, the building was going to have a very high, domed ceiling.

The previous photo, #34, was also taken in here; you can see the weathering of the stone.

Mr P

[JMC]

What a magnificent structure captured beautifully!

[lakejessup]

wow this really amazes me to look at this and think of the amount of time it would take to construct it. could you imagine having to bid it. wish i had seen this when an older friend of my family was still alive an italian stone mason, he would have loved to see these images. thanks for posting they are beautiful

[Mr P]

Thanks for the kind comments.

Have been unavoidably away for 2 months but can now pick up where I left off. More images to come.

Mr P

[Not4wood]

An absolutely amazing and intriguing series. My wife and I besides being students of history always enjoy the architectural stories as well.

Keep it going, and when my wife eventually wakes up I will show her your series.

Thank you and your wife for your wonderful efforts.

[Rense]

Originally Posted by Mr P

Thanks for the kind comments.

Have been unavoidably away for 2 months but can now pick up where I left off. More images to come.

Mr P

Good to see you back.
Definitely will follow your posts.

[Mr P]

Just while I look out more photos............

King Duarte b.1391-d.1438 was the eldest son, of João and Philippa, and brother of Henry the Navigator. He was well educated and spoke several languages. He was evidently a master horseman, hunter and jouster and started writing an amazing treatise which examined the knightly art of horsemanship - how to ride, hunt and fight. It was called "Livro Da Ensinança De Bem Cavalgar Toda Sela" (The Art Of Riding on Every Saddle.) It gives a fascinating glimpse into the world of mediaeval equitation. Not only did he give all kinds of practical advice but also examined knightly character. Unfortunately he died before it was finished.

There is a modern translation:
ISBN 1-891448-34-X
The Chivalry Bookshelf: Arms & Armour, Medieval History, Swordsmanship

Mr P

[Mr P]

The inscription on the tomb
#36


You'll see that Duarte was described as "Eduard I King of Portugal & Algarve". This title persisted with later kings, too.

Mr P

[Mr P]

#37


Look up at one of the unfinished roof arches. What a riot of carving!

Compare that central shield with the one in image #32

Mr P

[Mr P]

The effigies of Duarte and Eleonor stare sightlessly at the magnificent portal opposite.
#38


The tourists demonstrate its scale.
Detail photos of some carving are to come.

Mr P

[Rense]

Originally Posted by Mr P

The effigies of Duarte and Eleonor stare sightlessly at the magnificent portal opposite.
#38


The tourists demonstrate its scale.
Detail photos of some carving are to come.

Mr P

Wow

[Mr P]

This is on the righthand side of the portal. It looks like a little pulpit although I think it isn't one.
#39

I'm fascinated by those hollowed-out carvings. I am amazed at the skill of those mediaeval stone-masons and how they made these pieces. You notice those on the left are not all identical in detail, that doesn't spoil the effect.

Here is a closeup of what looks like a restored piece.
#40

I have a lot more closeups but will only post them on request (to avoid enthusiastic overkill!)

Mr P

[Mr P]

I simply couldn't resist the temptation to post just one more detail of hollowed-out carving.

#40

This one taken by Mrs P.

Mr P