SUGER
(1081–1151). Abbot of Saint-Denis from 1122 to 1151, Suger is one of the most
interesting representatives of French monastic culture in the 12th century, combining an
extraordinary devotion to his monastery with an understanding of the weaknesses and
potential strengths of the kings of France. He was an ardent administrator and builder,
and, if he is best remembered for his desire to adorn his church, he also reformed the
liturgy and improved the life of the community, earning the praise of Bernard, abbot of
Clairvaux.
Suger’s eagle vase, Saint-Denis.
Courtesy of the Louvre, Paris, Rèunion
des Musées Nationaux.
Suger also stands out from most of his contemporaries because of the much clearer
picture we have of his personality and achievements. He himself wrote a Latin vita of
Louis VI, in which he gives a vivid picture of the king’s attempts to subdue the turbulent
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