History of World Art II: Day 10 - More Important Cathedrals

Reims (built between 1211-1311) - This Cathedral has figures and sculptures that are much more realistic compared to Romanesque cathedrals. Many are free-standing, three dimensional figures that are done in a pronounce classical style. The jambs are very high relief almost detached from the stone. They are animated and the faces have much more emotion then Romanesque sculpture.

Interior at Reims

Reims exterior

Sainte-Chapelle (c. 1248) - Built by Louis IX between 1243- 1248. Louis IX became sainted after his death for his service to the church. He lead numerous campaigns in the Crusades during which he procured numerous relics that were housed there. The Cathedral is known for the crown of thorns that was believed to have been worn by Jesus during the Crucifiction.

This royal chapel is a prime example of Rayonnant Gothic style with walls opened up by intricate tracery and vertical windows that reach to the apex and terminate into rose windows.

The ceiling is still painted a celestial blue between the rib vaults of the ceiling and adorned with gold stars, and with the ethereal light from the stained glass the cathedral radiate with spirituality.

The Sainte-Chapelle inside the Vincennes Castle

The upper chapel of the Sainte Chapelle

Milan Cathedral (1386) - Milan Cathedral is the cathedral church of Milan in Lombardy, northern Italy. It was dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente (Saint Mary Nascent) and took five centuries to complete It is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the second largest Catholic cathedral in the world.

The plan consists of a nave with four side-aisles, crossed by a transept and then followed by choir and apsis. It has the highest Gothic vault of complete churches; the nave elevation towers to almost 148 feet (45 meters).

Unlike any other Gothic style cathedral, architects were invited from all over Europe to work on the design of the structure. The front of the cathedral is the most cohesive looking as well, with a filligree of towers and arches reaching to the heavens, that were obviously well designed on paper to begin with. It was so massive that the flying butress system was developed to support the massive load bearing walls of it's exterior.

Milan Cathedral from the Piazza del Duomo

The famous "Madonnina" atop
the main spire of Milan Cathedral.

Gloucester Cathedral (c. ) - Gloucester Cathedral, or the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity, was built in Gloucester, England. It originated in 678 or 679 with the foundation of an abbey dedicated to Saint Peter, which was dissolved by King Henry VIII when he created the Church of England.

The Cathedral was built over time with elements from every style of Gothic architectural style. It is considered to be the height of Decorated Style with decorative element pushed to the absolute limit. It is crowned with elaborate vaults and spires, and a massive arch welcomes worshipers.