Ferry de Clugny's Chapelle Dorée in the Cathedral of Saint-Lazare, Autun

Abstract

The wall paintings adorning the so-called Chapelle Dorée in the cathedral of Saint-Lazare in Autun (Sâone-et-Loire) were commissioned by the eminent prelate Ferry de Clugny as a decoration for his future sepulchre. Although the intended function of the chapel was never wholly realized, the wall paintings nonetheless survive as a visual testament of his sumptuous artistic patronage, which encompassed illuminated manuscripts, panel painting, and tapestry. The latter three facets of his patronage have been studied in some detail, but the paintings of his putative sepulchral chapel lack a comprehensive study—a surprising fact considering the high quality of the works, as well as their fascinating iconography, painted inscriptions, and intriguing context. While the research conducted to date has been useful toward understanding the paintings' content, style, and perhaps attribution, this paper will seek to provide a more complete investigation of the chapel and its decoration as a total foundation, situating the works within the context of Ferry de Clugny's original intentions, insofar as they are able to be uncovered. The sophistication and original purpose of the painted scheme become evident when examined using the extant visual evidence in tandem with surviving archival sources and antiquarian reproductions.