His Use of Spolia

Suger patronized many pieces which included spolia, ancient materials repurposed in contemporary construction.[1] When he discovered an ancient porphyry vase idle within a chest in Saint Denis, he marveled at its beauty and promptly had it adorned with gold mounting in the shape of an eagle.[2] Alongside his chalice, he dedicated the famous Eagle Vase, two of the nine liturgical vessels he added to Saint Denis’s collection during his administration.[3]

Throughout history, leaders have used spolia to legitimize their power, exploit nostalgia for the past, or to harness classical values. Alternatively, former Bryn Mawr Professor, Dr. Dale Kinney, asserts that, “Abbot Suger did not distinguish old objects from new ones; all works in lustrous materials functioned equally as ornamenta.”[4] Instead of utilizing objects like the Alexandrian cup and porphyry vase in his creations for their historical value, Suger revered primarily their incredible craftsmanship and fine material.