Keystone, Cloister, Fontevraud Abbey, Loire Valley, France

Sculpted keystone with cherubs holding the crowned winged initial L, symbol of Louise de Bourbon, Abbess of Fontevraud 1534-75, and other members of the Bourbon-Vendome family, in the West gallery of the main Grand-Moutier Cloister, rebuilt by Louise de Bourbon in classical style 1530-60, at Fontevraud Abbey, Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, Loire Valley, Maine-et-Loire, France. The cloister was originally Romanesque but was rebuilt in the 16th century. The abbey was founded in 1100 by Robert of Arbrissel, who created the Order of Fontevraud. It was a double monastery for monks and nuns, run by an abbess. The abbey is listed as a historic monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picture by Manuel Cohen

Picture No

13444386

Media ID

45149077

Size

7087px x 4553px (10.0MB)

Credit

Manuel Cohen / Mary Evans

Source

Photograph by Manuel Cohen