Eskilstrup Church

{{Infobox church | image = Eskilstrup Kirke1.jpg | name = Eskilstrup Church | native_name = Eskilstrup Kirke | native_name_lang = Danish | denomination = [[Church of Denmark]] | country = [[Denmark]] | location = [[Eskilstrup]], [[Falster]] | parish = Eskilstrup Sogn | deanery = Falster Provsti | diocese = [[Diocese of Lolland–Falster]] | years_built = ca. 1130 | style = [[Romanesque architecture]] }}

'''Eskilstrup Church''' (Danish: ''Eskilstrup Kirke'') is a church in [[Eskilstrup]], [[Denmark]]. The church dates from the 12th century and was built in the [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] style. In accordance with a local tradition, it is painted red. It is best known for its [[fresco]]s, said to be Denmark's oldest.<ref name="natmus">[http://www.danmarks-kirker.dk/lol_fal/eskilstrup_lol.htm Jens Kinkel, "Eskilstrup Kirke"], Danmarks Kirker. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 20 December 2012.</ref>

==History== At the beginning of the 16th century, the church was owned by the bishopric under the administration of its seat at Sørup on [[Lolland]]. In 1694, it was annexed to [[Ønslev Church]], 3 km to the west. After the [[Reformation in Denmark–Norway and Holstein|Reformation]] it came under the Crown until 1767 when it was sold into private ownership. It was, however, soon reacquired by the State until 1852 when it was sold to the farmers of the parish. It gained full independence in 1933.<ref>[http://danmarkskirker.natmus.dk/uploads/tx_tcchurchsearch/Maribo_1297-1308.pdf Kirsten Weber-Andersen, Otto Norn, Aage Roussell, Gertrud Købke Knudsen, "Eskilstrup Kirke"], ''Danmarks kirker: Maribo amt, Volume 8'', 1951, Nationalmuseet, pages 1297–1308. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 20 December 2012.</ref>

==Architecture== The church consists of a [[Romanesque architecture|Late Romanesque]] [[apse]], [[chancel]] and [[nave]] and a [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] tower and porch, all built of brick. Pilaster strips decorate the corners of the nave and chancel. The apse and chancel have a rounded foundation base. There is a three-sided wall at the east end of the apse while there are round-arched windows in the side walls. The toothed cornice is decorated a saw-toothed trimming which runs along pilasters to the chancel gable. The nave walls are similarly decorated with cornices and pilasters. The chancel windows resemble those of the apse but they have been extended downwards.<ref name=natmus/>

==Interior and fittings== The apse's original vaulting develops from a polygonal base to a quarter dome terminating in the rounded apse arch. During the Gothic period, the chancel ceiling was [[cross-vault]]ed while the chancel arch was widened and given a pointed top. The nave has retained a flat ceiling. The red brick tower on a [[fieldstone]] base has flat arched windows to the south and west. It opens into the nave through a large irregular arch.<ref name=natmus/>

The [[Renaissance art|Renaissance]] [[altarpiece]] (1617) is rather a rough piece of rural craftmanship. The large cornice is borne by two [[Ionic column]]s. The central painting by [[Stefan Viggo Pedersen]] (1926) depicts the announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds. Designed by [[Jørgen Ringnis]], the intricately carved [[pulpit]] (1639) is in the [[Auricular style]]. With the [[four Evangelists]] in shell-framed panels, it closely resembles the pulpit in [[Lolland]]'s [[Ryde Church]]. The pilasters have however been renewed during rebuilding work in 1805 although the [[cherub]] heads and ornamental decorations have been retained. The hexagonal canopy bears a dove at the top and angels' heads on the corners. The pulpit, staircase and canope are varnished but not coloured.<ref name=natmus/>

==Frescos== In 1893, frescos were discovered in the apse and chancel, dating to the second half of the 13th century. The chancel fresco, restored by E. Lind in 1942, includes scenes from Christ's childhood including the Flight to Egypt depicting Joseph, Mary and the ass. They are said to be among the oldest in the region.<ref name=natmus/><ref>[http://www.lfstift.dk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=120&Itemid=101 "Eskilstrup Sogn"], Folkekirken i Lolland-Falsters Stift. {{in lang|da}} Retrieved 20 December 2012.</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *[http://www.danmarks-kirker.dk/lol_fal/eskilstrup_lol.htm Eskilstrup Kirke] with many illustrations.

[[Category:Lutheran churches converted from Roman Catholicism]] [[Category:Romanesque architecture in Denmark]] [[Category:Churches in Falster]] [[Category:Church frescos in Denmark]] [[Category:Churches in the Diocese of Lolland–Falster]]