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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbook, January 1929-December 1931

ARCH.2003.25, Rendition: 794331

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The image shows a newspaper clipping with a headline and several paragraphs of text. The headline reads:

"PROFESSOR CONANT UNEARTHS RUINS OF FRENCH ABBEY"

Below the headline, there's a subheading that says:

"Startling Discoveries Made by Member of Harvard Faculty During Summer"

The main body of the text discusses the excavations led by Professor Conant, an associate professor of Architecture at Harvard, at Cluny Abbey in France. The article describes the findings, including the discovery of ruins and passageways beneath the stable floor, interesting examples of medieval architecture, and the location of Peter the Venerable’s tomb.

The text is divided into several sections, each providing more details about the discoveries and the historical context of the abbey. There's also a sidebar section titled "Secret Passage" that discusses a tortuous passage found near the chapel that was believed to serve as a secret communication route to a nearby castle.

At the top of the clipping, there's a handwritten note in cursive that reads "Cuisseaux 05 5 1931," which appears to be a date and location reference. The paper is aged, with some yellowing, indicating it is an old document.

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This image shows a printed article discussing the archaeological findings at Cluny Abbey in France by Professor K. J. Conant, a member of the Harvard faculty. The article, dated October 5, 1931, details the discoveries made during the summer excavation under the supervision of Professor Conant.

The headline reads: "PROFESSOR CONANT UNEARTHS RUINS OF FRENCH ABBEY," followed by a subheading: "Startling Discoveries Made by Member of Harvard Faculty During Summer." Another subheading states: "EXCAVATES CLUNY ABBEY - Found Ruins and Passageways Beneath Stable Floor - Interesting Examples of Mediaeval Architecture."

The article describes several key findings:

  1. Excavations under the stable floor revealed ruins and passageways.
  2. The tomb of Peter the Venerable, a significant figure in monastic history, was discovered beneath the pavement of a stable.
  3. The sarcophagus of Abbot Saint Hugh, the founder of the abbey, was also found.
  4. A secret passage leading to a nearby castle was unearthed.
  5. The foundations of the abbey church were preserved, and numerous fragments of sculptures and paintings were recovered.

The article also mentions that Professor Conant will give a lecture on November 5 to discuss his findings. It includes a section titled "Secret Passage," which describes the discovery of a tortuous passage that may have served as a secret communication route between the abbey and a nearby castle.

The text is arranged in two columns, with the main article on the left and the "Secret Passage" section on the right. The article provides historical context and details about the abbey's history, the Cluniac order, and the opposition it faced from the Cistercian order. It concludes with information about the Cluny Museum in Paris and the legends surrounding the excavations.

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This image displays a single, aged, off-white page of printed text—likely a newspaper clipping or a typescript article—photographed flat against a neutral light gray background.

At the top center, there is handwritten text in blue ink: “Somerset Oct 5 1931”, suggesting the document was dated or annotated on that date.

The page features a large, bold headline: “PROFESSOR CONANT UNEARTHS RUINS OF FRENCH ABBEY”.

Below the headline, a sub-headline reads: “Startling Discoveries Made by Member of Harvard Faculty During Summer”.

The main article is titled “EXCAVATES CLUNY ABBEY” and is structured into several smaller sections, each with its own heading:

  • Found Ruins and Passageways Beneath Stable Floor — Interesting Examples of Mediaeval Architecture
  • Foundations Preserved
  • Peter’s Tomb Located
  • Secret Passage

The article reports on archaeological excavations conducted in the summer of 1931 at the historic Abbey of Cluny in France, led by Professor K. J. Conant (‘15), then an associate professor of architecture at Harvard, under the auspices of the Medical Academy of America. Key discoveries mentioned include:

  • The discovery of the tomb of Peter the Venerable (1094–1156), the fourth Abbot of Cluny.
  • The remains of the abbey’s first builder, Abbot Saint Hugh (1024–1109).
  • Evidence of a “secret passage” leading to a nearby castle.
  • The excavation of a stable floor that covered part of the ancient abbey’s pavement.
  • A “secret passage” near a chapel leading to the abbey’s castle at Lourdon.
  • The finding of a sarcophagus with a lead plate, which analysis indicated was likely for the 15th-century Abbot Jean de Bourbon.

The tone is journalistic and informative, presenting the findings as significant historical and architectural achievements. The text is arranged in multiple columns with justified alignment, characteristic of newspaper or periodical layout.

Overall, the document serves as a historical record of archaeological work at Cluny Abbey, written for a public audience and dated by a reader over 90 years ago.

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The image appears to be a page from an old newspaper or magazine article. The article is about excavations conducted at Cluny Abbey in France by Professor Conant, an associate professor of architecture at Harvard University. The article discusses the discoveries made during the excavations, including the discovery of the tomb of Peter the Venerable, the abbot of Cluny, who was buried in 1156. The article also mentions the discovery of a secret passage leading to a nearby castle, as well as the remains of sculptures and paintings that have been unearthed. The article provides details about the excavations and the significance of the discoveries, and includes photographs and illustrations to accompany the text.

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The image is a page from an old newspaper, dated October 5, 1931. The page is predominantly filled with text, organized into several columns and sections. The main headline at the top reads, "PROFESSOR CONANT UNEARTHS RUINS OF FRENCH ABBEY." Below this headline, there is a subheading, "Startling Discoveries Made by Member of Harvard Faculty During Summer."

The article details the archaeological discoveries made by Professor Conant at the Cluny Abbey in France. The text describes the unearthing of ruins and passageways beneath the stable floor, which are examples of medieval architecture. The article highlights the discovery of the tomb of Peter the Venerable, the first builder of the church, Abbot Hugh, and other significant findings.

The article is divided into several sections, each detailing different aspects of the discovery. The first section discusses the unearthing of the tomb of Peter the Venerable, including the discovery of his bones and a plate of lead fitted into the sarcophagus for protection. The second section talks about the unearthing of the tomb of Abbot Hugh, the founder of the abbey, and the discovery of his bones and a crypt nearby.

The article also mentions the discovery of a secret passage leading to a nearby castle, which was used by the Cluniacs to escape persecution. The article concludes with a discussion of the importance of these discoveries in understanding the history and architecture of the abbey.

The newspaper page also includes a sidebar with a headline that reads, "Secret Passage," which discusses the discovery of a secret passage near the chapel that was found by an innkeeper. The passage led to the great drain of the abbey, which was about two feet wide and six feet high, and was used as a secret communication with the abbey's castle at Lourdon.

The article is written in a formal and descriptive style, with a focus on the historical and architectural significance of the discoveries. The language used is typical of the time period, with a formal tone and a focus on the importance of the findings.

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The image shows a scanned page from a historical or academic document, likely a newspaper or magazine article. The page is titled "Professor Conant Unearths Ruins of French Abbey" and is dated June 3, 1931, as indicated at the top of the page. The article discusses archaeological discoveries made by Professor Conant, a member of the Harvard faculty, during excavations at Cluny Abbey in France during the summer.

Key Details from the Image:

Headline and Introduction:

  • The headline, "Professor Conant Unearths Ruins of French Abbey," sets the context for the article, indicating that the content focuses on archaeological findings at Cluny Abbey.
  • The subheading, "Startling Discoveries Made by Member of Harvard Faculty During Summer," emphasizes the significance of the discoveries and the involvement of a Harvard professor.

Main Content:

  • The article describes excavations conducted by Professor Conant at Cluny Abbey, a historic site in France. The excavations were carried out under the auspices of the Medical Academy of America, with Professor Conant serving as the associate professor of architecture.
  • Key discoveries mentioned include:
    • Foundations and Passageways Beneath Stable Floor: Excavations revealed traces of foundations, indicating the presence of medieval architectural elements beneath the stable floor.
    • Ruins of Important Examples of Mediaeval Architecture: The article highlights the discovery of ruins that provide insight into medieval construction techniques and architectural styles.
    • Secret Passage: A secret passage was found near the great drain of the abbey, measuring about two feet wide and six feet high, suggesting a hidden communication route.
    • Peter's Tomb: The tomb of Peter the Venerable, a significant historical figure, was discovered beneath the pavement of a chapel. The tomb contained a sarcophagus with a large plate of lead fitted around the body, and the foundations of the wall were preserved below the level of the nave.
    • Abbot Hugh's Sarcophagus: The remains of a sarcophagus containing the body of Abbot Hugh, the founder of the Cistercian order, were found. This discovery included traces of the original structure and some preserved fragments.
    • Other Discoveries: The article mentions the discovery of a secret passage leading to a church, the remains of a chapel, and various artifacts such as sculptures, paintings, and fragmentary plans.

Historical Context:

  • The article provides historical context about Cluny Abbey, noting that it was destroyed in 1811 and 1823 by the government. Despite this, the excavations revealed significant medieval structures and artifacts.
  • The discoveries are described as important for understanding monastic history, particularly the Cistercian order, and the architectural and religious practices of the medieval period.

Visual Elements:

  • The page is typed in a formal, serif font typical of early 20th-century print media.
  • The text is well-organized into paragraphs, with headings and subheadings to guide the reader.
  • The article includes detailed descriptions of the discoveries, their historical significance, and the methods used in the excavations.

Overall Impression:

The image depicts a historical article that documents significant archaeological findings at Cluny Abbey, emphasizing the contributions of Professor Conant and the importance of these discoveries for understanding medieval architecture, monastic life, and historical preservation. The tone is informative and academic, aimed at readers interested in archaeology, history, and architectural studies.

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The image depicts a newspaper clipping featuring an article about Professor Conant's discoveries at the Cluny Abbey in France. The article, titled "Professor Conant Unearths Ruins of French Abbey," is divided into two columns and includes a subheading that reads, "Startling Discoveries Made by Member of Harvard Faculty During Summer." The article provides details about the excavations conducted by Professor Conant and his team, including the discovery of a sarcophagus containing the remains of Abbot Saint Hugh.

Key Points:

  • Article Title: Professor Conant Unearths Ruins of French Abbey
  • Subheading: Startling Discoveries Made by Member of Harvard Faculty During Summer
  • Content: The article discusses Professor Conant's excavations at the Cluny Abbey in France, including the discovery of a sarcophagus containing the remains of Abbot Saint Hugh.
  • Layout: The article is divided into two columns, with a clear and concise writing style.
  • Tone: The tone of the article is informative and objective, providing readers with a detailed account of the excavations and discoveries.

Visual Description:

  • Background: The newspaper clipping has a light-colored background, which provides a clean and neutral backdrop for the text.
  • Text: The text is written in black ink, with a clear and easy-to-read font.
  • Layout: The article is divided into two columns, with a clear and concise writing style.
  • Headline: The headline is prominently displayed at the top of the article, drawing attention to the main topic of the story.

Overall Impression:

  • Historical Significance: The article provides valuable insights into the history of the Cluny Abbey and the discoveries made by Professor Conant and his team.
  • Archaeological Importance: The article highlights the significance of the excavations and the importance of preserving historical sites like the Cluny Abbey.
  • Educational Value: The article is informative and educational, providing readers with a detailed account of the excavations and discoveries.

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The image presents a newspaper clipping from 1931, featuring an article about the discovery of ruins at the French Abbey. The title, "Professor Conant Unearths Ruins of French Abbey," is prominently displayed in bold font.

Article Content

The article discusses the excavation process and the significance of the findings. It mentions that Professor Conant, a member of Harvard Faculty, led the excavation team during the summer. The article highlights the discovery of various artifacts, including a large plate of lead, numerous photographs, and fragments of sculpture and paintings. These discoveries have provided valuable insights into the history of the abbey.

Visual Elements

The newspaper clipping is presented on a beige background, with a subtle shadow effect around the edges. The overall design suggests that the image may be part of a larger collection or archive, possibly related to historical events or academic research.

Conclusion

In summary, the image showcases a newspaper article from 1931, detailing the discovery of ruins at the French Abbey. The article highlights the significance of the findings and provides insight into the excavation process. The visual elements of the image suggest that it may be part of a larger collection or archive, making it a valuable resource for historians and researchers.

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The image depicts a yellowed newspaper clipping featuring an article titled "PROFESSOR CONANT UNEARTHS RUINS OF FRENCH ABBEY" in large black text.

The article is divided into three sections, with the first section providing an overview of the excavation and its significance. The second section, "Found Ruins and Passageways Beneath Stable Floor - Interesting Examples of Mediaeval Architecture," describes the discoveries made during the excavation, including the remains of a stable floor and passageways. The third section, "Secret Passage," reveals the existence of a secret passageway discovered during the excavation.

The article is written in a formal and informative style, suggesting that it is from a reputable publication. The use of technical terms such as "mediaeval architecture" and "Cistercian monastic orders" indicates that the article is intended for an audience with some knowledge of history and archaeology. The overall tone of the article is one of excitement and discovery, as the author describes the significant findings made during the excavation.

The clipping is dated "June 20, 1931" in pencil at the top, indicating that it is an old article. The background of the image is a plain gray color, which helps to focus attention on the clipping. Overall, the image presents a fascinating glimpse into the past, highlighting the importance of archaeological discoveries and the value of preserving historical sites.

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The image presents a vintage newspaper clipping, featuring an article about Professor Conant's discovery of the ruins of a French abbey. The clipping is yellowed with age and has a subtle shadow effect around its edges.

Article Title and Subheading

  • Title: "PROFESSOR CONANT UNEARTHS RUNS OF FRENCH ABBEY"
  • Subheading: "Startling Discoveries Made by Member of Harvard Faculty During Summer"

Article Content

The article discusses Professor Conant's excavations at Cluny Abbey, where he uncovered ruins and passageways beneath the stable floor, revealing interesting examples of mediaeval architecture. The article highlights several key findings, including:

  • The discovery of Peter the Venerable's tomb beneath the pavement
  • A large plate of lead fitted into the sarcophagus for its protection
  • The presence of a secret passage leading to a nearby castle
  • The excavation of the eastern half of the splen-did abbey church, which measured 616 feet in length

Additional Information

The article also mentions that Professor Conant arrived in February to prepare for the year's campaign and that digging began March 30. The excavations were conducted under the Medical Academy of America, and the article notes that the tomb of Peter the Venerable was found under the pavement.

Overall

The image provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of Cluny Abbey and the discoveries made by Professor Conant during his excavations. The article's content and tone suggest that it was written in the early 20th century, likely in the 1930s or 1940s.