Herb collects pins shaped like a painter's pallet. Charlemagne – King of the Franks, he was crowned as Emperor of the Romans (new Holy Roman Empire), on Christmas day, of the year 800, by Pope Leo III. He is reported to have been six feet, four inches tall, to drink sparsely and disdain royal silk clothing for the rougher Frank apparel. He was the son of Pepin the Short.

This piece has been acquired by the Ludwig Forum for International Art (modern art museum) in Aachen, Germany, favored and final residence and chapel of Charlemagne.

More images and data of the Charlemagne piece and another three-night performance (with thousands of candles), may be seen at this web site: charlemagne2000.de

Description:

1995 mixed media
10'h x 5'w x 8'd

A statue representing three generations of Carolingian chiefs with Charlemagne riding his father, King Pepin, who is atop his father, Charles Martel (the Hammer), mayor of the Merovingian palace. The sculpture rests on a regal tapestry surrounded by all that represents their empire: military, religious imagery and horses.

Concepts:

Oil Painting: Tapestry and carpet.

Country Item: [German tools were used in the work's construction].

Contracted Art: The hundreds of horses were bought from a toy manufacturer.

Pun: Most visible is the use of a bat and ball to represent the scepter and orb, our national "past-time".

Copyright © 2000 Herb Grika. All rights reserved.