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The Church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, directly across from the Louvre Palace.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is indeed situated in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, directly opposite the Louvre Palace.
Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois was named after Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris.
Answer: False
Explanation: The church was named for Saint Germanus of Auxerre, a medieval bishop, not Saint Genevieve, though he did meet her.
Saint Genevieve is credited with converting Queen Clotilde and King Clovis I to Christianity at the tomb of Saint Germanus in Auxerre.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical accounts attribute Saint Genevieve with the conversion of Queen Clotilde and King Clovis I at the tomb of Saint Germanus in Auxerre, marking a pivotal moment in the Christianization of the Frankish monarchy.
The current structure of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois primarily dates from the 13th century, with minor additions in the 19th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The current church structure was initially built in the 13th century, but significant modifications and additions were made during the 15th and 16th centuries, not primarily the 19th century.
Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois served as the parish church for the residents of the Louvre Palace from 1608 until 1806.
Answer: True
Explanation: From 1608 to 1806, Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois indeed functioned as the parish church for those residing in the Louvre Palace.
Following the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire in 2019, its regular services were permanently moved to Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois.
Answer: False
Explanation: After the 2019 fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral, its regular services were temporarily, not permanently, relocated to Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois.
The first place of worship on the site of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois was a large cathedral built in the 5th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The earliest place of worship on this site was a small oratory founded in the 5th century, not a large cathedral.
The church that replaced the 5th-century oratory was built by King Robert II the Pious.
Answer: False
Explanation: The church replacing the 5th-century oratory was built by Chilperic I or Saint Landry of Paris. King Robert II the Pious rebuilt the church after its destruction by the Normans in 886, not the initial replacement of the oratory.
The church was destroyed by the Normans in 886 and subsequently rebuilt by King Robert II the Pious.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical records confirm that the church was destroyed by Norman invaders in 886 and later reconstructed by King Robert II the Pious.
During the Middle Ages, Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois functioned exclusively as a collegiate church for canons.
Answer: False
Explanation: From the Middle Ages onward, Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois served a dual role as both a collegiate church for canons and a parochial church for local residents, not exclusively as a collegiate church.
The bell of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois, named 'Marie,' signaled the start of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre on August 23, 1572.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ringing of the church's bell, 'Marie,' on August 23, 1572, indeed served as the signal for the commencement of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre.
During the French Revolution, the church was converted into a royal palace and its stained glass was preserved.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the French Revolution, the church was repurposed for various secular uses, such as a barn or factory, and much of its stained glass was vandalized, not preserved.
The church was returned to the Catholic Church in 1801 but suffered further damage during an anticlerical riot in 1831.
Answer: True
Explanation: The church was indeed returned to the Catholic Church in 1801, but it subsequently sustained significant damage during an anticlerical riot in 1831.
The major restoration of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois in the mid-19th century was overseen by Baron Haussmann.
Answer: False
Explanation: The major restoration of the church between 1838 and 1855 was directed by Jean-Baptiste Lassus and Victor Baltard, not Baron Haussmann.
The groundbreaking for the church occurred in the 15th century, with completion in the 17th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The groundbreaking for Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois occurred in the 12th century, and its construction was completed in the 15th century, not groundbreaking in the 15th and completion in the 17th.
Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois belongs to the Archdiocese of Lyon.
Answer: False
Explanation: Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is part of the Archdiocese of Paris, not the Archdiocese of Lyon.
An image from the Paris Commune in 1871 shows the church being used as a socialist women's club.
Answer: True
Explanation: An image from the Paris Commune in 1871 indeed depicts the church being utilized as a socialist women's club, reflecting its temporary secularization during that revolutionary period.
In which arrondissement of Paris is the Church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois located?
Answer: The 1st arrondissement
Explanation: The Church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, directly across from the Louvre Palace.
For whom was the Church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois primarily named?
Answer: Saint Germanus of Auxerre, a medieval bishop
Explanation: The church was named for Saint Germanus of Auxerre, a medieval bishop and papal envoy.
What significant event involving Saint Genevieve and Saint Germanus of Auxerre led to the early Christianization of the Frankish monarchy?
Answer: Saint Genevieve converted Queen Clotilde and King Clovis I at Saint Germanus's tomb.
Explanation: Saint Genevieve is credited with converting Queen Clotilde and King Clovis I to Christianity at the tomb of Saint Germanus in Auxerre, a pivotal event for the Frankish monarchy.
When was the current structure of the Church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois primarily constructed and significantly modified?
Answer: Initially 13th century, modified 15th and 16th centuries
Explanation: The current church structure was initially built in the 13th century, with substantial modifications and additions occurring during the 15th and 16th centuries.
For what period did Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois serve as the parish church for the residents of the Louvre Palace?
Answer: 1608 to 1806
Explanation: Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois functioned as the parish church for the residents of the Louvre Palace from 1608 until 1806.
What temporary role did Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois assume after the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire in 2019?
Answer: It temporarily held the regular services of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Explanation: Following the 2019 fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois temporarily hosted the cathedral's regular services.
What was the earliest place of worship on the site of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois?
Answer: A small oratory founded in the 5th century
Explanation: The earliest place of worship on the site of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois was a small oratory established in the 5th century.
What dual function did Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois hold from the Middle Ages onward?
Answer: A collegiate church and a parochial church
Explanation: From the Middle Ages onward, Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois functioned as both a collegiate church and a parochial church.
What infamous historical event was signaled by the ringing of the church's bell, 'Marie,' on August 23, 1572?
Answer: The St. Bartholomew's Day massacre
Explanation: The ringing of the church's bell, 'Marie,' on August 23, 1572, served as the signal for the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre.
Which of the following was NOT a secular use for the church building during the French Revolution?
Answer: A royal treasury
Explanation: During the French Revolution, the church was repurposed for uses such as a barn, printing shop, and gunpowder factory, but not as a royal treasury.
Who directed the significant restoration of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois between 1838 and 1855?
Answer: Jean-Baptiste Lassus and Victor Baltard
Explanation: The major restoration of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois between 1838 and 1855 was overseen by Jean-Baptiste Lassus and Victor Baltard.
When did the groundbreaking for Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois occur?
Answer: 12th century
Explanation: The groundbreaking for Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois took place in the 12th century.
To which archdiocese does Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois belong?
Answer: Archdiocese of Paris
Explanation: Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is part of the Archdiocese of Paris.
The exterior of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois exhibits a blend of Romanesque, Rayonnant, Flamboyant Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles.
Answer: True
Explanation: The exterior of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois indeed displays a synthesis of Romanesque, Rayonnant, Flamboyant Gothic, and Renaissance architectural styles, reflecting its complex construction history.
The oldest Romanesque elements in the church's exterior are found in the upper portion of the main bell tower.
Answer: False
Explanation: The oldest Romanesque elements, dating from the 12th century, are located in the lower portion of the bell tower attached to the south transept, not the upper portion of the main bell tower.
The western portal of the church was originally used as a marketplace for local merchants.
Answer: False
Explanation: The western portal, constructed around 1220-1230, originally served as a meeting place for canons and a classroom for catechism, not a marketplace.
The west facade of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois features 19th-century statues of French saints, animals, beggars, and fools.
Answer: True
Explanation: The west facade is indeed adorned with 19th-century statues of French saints, alongside a diverse array of sculpted figures including animals, beggars, and fools.
The 'Boule aux Rats' sculpture is a unique 19th-century motif found on the church's interior.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Boule aux Rats' is a sculpted stone motif from the 15th and 16th centuries, found on the exterior of the church, not the interior, and is not from the 19th century.
The north bell tower was added around 1860 by Théodore Ballu in a Neo-Gothic style to complement the church and adjacent city hall.
Answer: True
Explanation: The north bell tower was indeed added around 1860 by architect Théodore Ballu in a Neo-Gothic style, designed to harmonize with both the church and the adjacent city hall.
The architectural style of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is exclusively French Gothic.
Answer: False
Explanation: The architectural style of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is primarily French Gothic, but its exterior also incorporates elements of Romanesque, Rayonnant, Flamboyant Gothic, and Renaissance architecture, making it not exclusively French Gothic.
The balustrade above the rose window, encircling the church, was created by Jean Gaussel between 1435 and 1439.
Answer: True
Explanation: The balustrade encircling the church above the rose window was indeed created by Jean Gaussel between 1435 and 1439.
Which of the following architectural styles is NOT mentioned as being evident in the exterior of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois?
Answer: Baroque
Explanation: The exterior of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois exhibits Romanesque, Rayonnant, Flamboyant Gothic, and Renaissance styles, but Baroque is not mentioned.
Where are the only existing Romanesque elements, dating from the 12th century, found in the church's exterior?
Answer: The lower portion of the bell tower attached to the south transept
Explanation: The only surviving 12th-century Romanesque elements are located in the lower portion of the bell tower attached to the south transept.
What was one of the original functions of the western portal, constructed around 1220-1230?
Answer: A meeting place for the canons of the cathedral
Explanation: The western portal originally served as a meeting place for the canons of the cathedral and a classroom for catechism.
What unique sculpted stone motif from the 15th and 16th centuries, featuring rats and a demonic cat, is found on the exterior of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois?
Answer: The 'Boule aux Rats'
Explanation: The 'Boule aux Rats' is a unique 15th-16th century sculpted stone motif on the church's exterior, depicting rats and a demonic cat.
What is the primary architectural style of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois?
Answer: French Gothic
Explanation: The primary architectural style of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is French Gothic, though it incorporates elements from other periods.
What is the significance of the balustrade created by Jean Gaussel between 1435 and 1439 on the church's exterior?
Answer: It encircles the entire church above the rose window.
Explanation: The balustrade created by Jean Gaussel between 1435 and 1439 is significant for encircling the entire church above the rose window.
The interior of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois consists solely of a central nave and a choir.
Answer: False
Explanation: The interior of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois includes a central nave, choir, transept, aisles, and numerous chapels, not solely a nave and choir.
The monumental carved wooden seats in the nave were created in 1684 for Louis XIV and the royal family, based on designs by Charles Le Brun.
Answer: True
Explanation: The monumental carved wooden seats in the nave were indeed created in 1684 for Louis XIV and the royal family, based on designs by Charles Le Brun.
The choir of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is notable for being shorter than the nave and featuring exclusively Gothic decoration.
Answer: False
Explanation: The choir of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is notable for being longer than the nave and features significant Renaissance decoration, not exclusively Gothic.
The ambulatory in the church serves as a private area for the clergy, separate from the main worship space.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ambulatory is a passageway designed to allow parishioners to access chapels during a service, not a private area exclusively for the clergy.
What is a prominent feature in the nave of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois, created in 1684 for Louis XIV?
Answer: A monumental set of carved wooden seats
Explanation: A monumental set of carved wooden seats, created in 1684 for Louis XIV and the royal family, is a prominent feature in the nave.
What is unusual about the choir's architecture in Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois?
Answer: It is longer than the nave and features significant Renaissance decoration.
Explanation: The choir of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois is unusually longer than the nave and incorporates significant Renaissance decorative elements.
What is the primary purpose of the ambulatory in the church?
Answer: To allow parishioners to access chapels during a service.
Explanation: The ambulatory's primary function is to enable parishioners to circulate and access the various chapels even while a religious service is underway in the main worship area.
Sébastien Bourdon's 17th-century painting 'Saint Pierre Nolasque receives the habit of the Order of Notre Dame of Mercy' is located at the entrance to the sacristy in the ambulatory.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sébastien Bourdon's 17th-century painting, 'Saint Pierre Nolasque receives the habit of the Order of Notre Dame of Mercy,' is indeed located at the entrance to the sacristy in the ambulatory.
The ambulatory triptych, dating from the 1510s-1530s, depicts scenes exclusively from the life of the Virgin Mary.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Flemish triptych in the ambulatory depicts scenes from the history of original sin and the life of the Virgin Mary, not exclusively the latter.
The Chapel of the Virgin was originally reserved for the cathedral canons before being opened to the entire congregation in the 15th century.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Chapel of the Virgin was indeed initially reserved for cathedral canons before its accessibility was extended to the entire congregation in the 15th century.
The Chapel of the Virgin features paintings by Eugene Amaury-Duval, whose style is reminiscent of the Pre-Raphaelite movement.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Chapel of the Virgin is decorated with paintings by Eugene Amaury-Duval, whose style is noted for its affinity with the Pre-Raphaelite movement and 14th-century art.
The oldest statue in the Chapel of the Virgin is a 15th-century depiction of Saint Mary of Egypt.
Answer: False
Explanation: The oldest statue in the Chapel of the Virgin is a 13th-century depiction of Saint Germain of Auxerre, not a 15th-century Saint Mary of Egypt.
The Chapel of the Tomb was founded in 1505 by a drapery merchant and became affiliated with the Guild of Drapers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Chapel of the Tomb was indeed founded in 1505 by a drapery merchant named Tronson and subsequently became affiliated with the Guild of Drapers.
After the 1831 riots, the Chapel of the Tomb was restored in a Baroque style with new stained glass depicting local Parisian history.
Answer: False
Explanation: After the 1831 riots, the Chapel of the Tomb was restored in a Neo-Gothic style with new stained glass depicting scenes from the life of Christ, not in a Baroque style with local Parisian history.
The Chapel of Saint Landry of Paris was designated by Louis XVIII in 1817 as the repository for the heart of Joseph Hyacinthe François de Paule de Rigaud, Comte de Vaudreuil.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1817, Louis XVIII indeed designated the Chapel of Saint Landry of Paris as the repository for the heart of Joseph Hyacinthe François de Paule de Rigaud, Comte de Vaudreuil.
The Chapel of Compassion, formerly the royal chapel, contains a Flemish carved retable from the 18th century depicting only New Testament scenes.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Chapel of Compassion contains a Flemish carved retable from around 1515 (early 16th century), not the 18th century, and it depicts scenes from both the Old and New Testaments.
Which 17th-century painting by Sébastien Bourdon is located at the entrance to the sacristy in the ambulatory?
Answer: 'Saint Pierre Nolasque receives the habit of the Order of Notre Dame of Mercy'
Explanation: Sébastien Bourdon's 'Saint Pierre Nolasque receives the habit of the Order of Notre Dame of Mercy' is located at the entrance to the sacristy in the ambulatory.
What does the Flemish carved and painted wood triptych in the ambulatory depict?
Answer: Scenes from the history of original sin and the life of the Virgin Mary.
Explanation: The Flemish triptych in the ambulatory illustrates scenes from the history of original sin and the life of the Virgin Mary.
What is the historical significance of the Chapel of the Virgin regarding its accessibility?
Answer: It was originally reserved for cathedral canons before being opened to the congregation in the 15th century.
Explanation: The Chapel of the Virgin was initially reserved for cathedral canons before becoming accessible to the entire congregation in the 15th century.
Which 19th-century artist's paintings, including 'The Crowning of the Virgin,' decorate the Chapel of the Virgin, known for their Pre-Raphaelite closeness?
Answer: Eugene Amaury-Duval
Explanation: Eugene Amaury-Duval's paintings, including 'The Crowning of the Virgin,' adorn the Chapel of the Virgin, characterized by their Pre-Raphaelite affinity.
What is the oldest statue displayed in the Chapel of the Virgin?
Answer: A 13th-century statue of Saint Germain of Auxerre
Explanation: The oldest statue in the Chapel of the Virgin is a 13th-century depiction of Saint Germain of Auxerre.
Who founded the Chapel of the Tomb in 1505?
Answer: A drapery merchant named Tronson
Explanation: The Chapel of the Tomb was founded in 1505 by a drapery merchant named Tronson.
How was the Chapel of the Tomb restored after the 1831 riots?
Answer: In a Neo-Gothic style with new stained glass by Etienne Thevenot.
Explanation: Following the 1831 riots, the Chapel of the Tomb was restored in a Neo-Gothic style, including new stained glass by Etienne Thevenot.
What significant item did Louis XVIII designate the Chapel of Saint Landry of Paris as a repository for in 1817?
Answer: The heart of Joseph Hyacinthe François de Paule de Rigaud, Comte de Vaudreuil
Explanation: In 1817, Louis XVIII designated the Chapel of Saint Landry of Paris as the repository for the heart of Joseph Hyacinthe François de Paule de Rigaud, Comte de Vaudreuil.
What notable artwork is found in the Chapel of Compassion, formerly the royal chapel?
Answer: A Flemish carved retable from around 1515 depicting Old and New Testament scenes
Explanation: The Chapel of Compassion features a Flemish carved retable from around 1515, depicting scenes from both the Old and New Testaments.
The original 16th-century stained glass in the north transept was preserved during the 2009 fire.
Answer: False
Explanation: The original 16th-century stained glass in the north transept was unfortunately destroyed in a 2009 fire during restoration, not preserved.
The current main organ of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois was definitively built by François-Henri Clicquot in 1752 for the church itself.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the current main organ is attributed to François-Henri Clicquot from 1752, historical accounts suggest it may have been transferred from Sainte-Chapelle, and its Neoclassical style raises questions about its definitive origin for this church.
The main organ was modified between 1838 and 1841 to allow for the full performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's complex works.
Answer: True
Explanation: The main organ was indeed modified between 1838 and 1841, with additions of extra keys and pedals, specifically to enable the performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's complex compositions.
The 1970-1980 organ modification successfully restored the original 18th-century Clicquot sound, making the instrument fully playable.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1970-1980 modification was unsuccessful in recapturing the original 18th-century sound and led to parts of the instrument becoming unplayable, contrary to restoring it to full playability.
The smaller choir organ in the church was originally built by John Abbey in 1838.
Answer: True
Explanation: The smaller choir organ, located in the center of the church, was originally constructed by John Abbey in 1838.
Most of the medieval and Renaissance stained glass in Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois was destroyed during the French Revolution.
Answer: False
Explanation: Most of the medieval and Renaissance stained glass was destroyed during the sacking of the church in 1831, a period of anticlerical riots, rather than during the French Revolution itself.
The rose window in the south transept, depicting Pentecost, is one of the notable remaining stained glass examples and was designed by Jean Chastellain.
Answer: True
Explanation: The rose window in the south transept, which depicts scenes of the Pentecost and was designed by Jean Chastellain, is indeed one of the notable surviving stained glass examples.
Eugene Viollet-le-Duc was one of the 19th-century artists who created stained glass for the church.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Antoine Lusson contributed Neo-Gothic glass in collaboration with Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, Viollet-le-Duc is primarily known as an architect and theorist, not directly as a stained glass artist for the church.
What happened to the original 16th-century stained glass windows in the north transept?
Answer: They were destroyed in a 2009 fire during restoration.
Explanation: The original 16th-century stained glass windows in the north transept were destroyed in a 2009 fire that occurred during their restoration.
Who built the current main organ of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois, which may have been transferred from Sainte-Chapelle?
Answer: François-Henri Clicquot
Explanation: The current main organ is attributed to François-Henri Clicquot, though it may have been transferred from Sainte-Chapelle.
What was the specific goal of the main organ's modification between 1838 and 1841, at the request of organist Alexandre Boëly?
Answer: To add extra keys and pedals for performing Johann Sebastian Bach's works.
Explanation: The main organ was modified between 1838 and 1841 to include extra keys and pedals, specifically to facilitate the performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's compositions.
What was the outcome of the 1970-1980 modification to the main organ?
Answer: It was unsuccessful, leading to parts of the instrument becoming unplayable.
Explanation: The 1970-1980 modification to the main organ was unsuccessful in its aim and resulted in parts of the instrument becoming unplayable.
Who originally built the smaller choir organ in the center of the church in 1838?
Answer: John Abbey
Explanation: The smaller choir organ in the church was originally built by John Abbey in 1838.
When was most of the medieval and Renaissance stained glass in Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois destroyed?
Answer: During the sacking of the church in 1831
Explanation: Most of the medieval and Renaissance stained glass in Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois was destroyed during the sacking of the church in 1831.
Which notable stained glass window, depicting scenes of the Pentecost, remains in the south transept and was designed by Jean Chastellain?
Answer: The rose window
Explanation: The rose window in the south transept, depicting Pentecost and designed by Jean Chastellain, is a notable surviving stained glass example.
Which of the following 19th-century artists contributed to the stained glass in Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois?
Answer: Charles-Laurent Maréchal
Explanation: Charles-Laurent Maréchal is identified as one of the 19th-century artists who contributed to the stained glass in Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois.
Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois has been known as the 'artists' parish' since the 19th century due to its proximity to the Louvre.
Answer: False
Explanation: Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois has been recognized as the 'artists' parish' since the end of the Ancien Régime, a period preceding the 19th century, due to the presence of many artists near the Louvre.
The 'Messe de Willette' is a Christmas Eve mass established in 1926 as a prayer for artists.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Messe de Willette' is a special mass for artists performed on Ash Wednesday, not Christmas Eve.
Since when has Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois been known as the 'artists' parish'?
Answer: The end of the Ancien Régime
Explanation: Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois has been recognized as the 'artists' parish' since the end of the Ancien Régime.
What is the 'Messe de Willette' and when is it performed?
Answer: A special mass on Ash Wednesday, a prayer for artists
Explanation: The 'Messe de Willette' is a special mass for artists, performed annually on Ash Wednesday.
Which prominent artist, known for his still-life paintings, is interred in Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois?
Answer: Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin
Explanation: Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin, a renowned still-life painter, is among the notable artists interred in Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois.