The rote-playing donkey of Fleury Abbey
Dated to the 11th century, this capital is on the front face of the thirteenth capital, which rises to nearly 9 metres on the north wall of the choir of the abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire. Founded in 651, the abbey was one of the first in Gaul to follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, whose relics were transferred there in the 7th century. Near the Loire, it became a major cultural centre of the West in the 11th century, thanks in particular to its scriptorium and library. Under the abbacies of Abbo (988-1004) and Gauzlin (1004-1030), the abbey shone intellectually. After a fire in 1026, the abbey church was rebuilt, marked by its porch tower, a masterpiece of Romanesque art. In the 12th century the abbey church was completed, and King Philip I was buried there in 1108. The abbey, then at its height, housed up to 170 monks.
This capital shows a mischievous donkey, mouth wide open and tongue out (perhaps evoking song), playing the rote, an instrument also called the harp-psaltery. This triangular instrument has a row of strings on each side. This digitisation was carried out on 15 June 2024 during operation GALATÉE 205, devoted to the inventory of the musical iconography in the sculptural ensemble of Fleury Abbey at Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire.
We wish to thank the Benedictine brothers for their welcome, especially Brother Joseph, who accompanied us throughout our work.