History of World Art II: Day 11 - A Brief on Gothic Cathedrals

Gothic artchitecture took the building of cathedrals to new heights as they became bigger more elaborate. The improved even further upon Romanesque use of vaulting within the cathedrals and during this time flying buttresses became popular – above these massive structures full of pomp and grandeur the flying buttresses soared above so the worshipers could look up and contemplate their journey to heaven.

Sainte-Chapelle is a part of the Palais de Justice complex in Paris and the one of typical rayonnant style church in high Gothic. It is said that the architect of Sainte-Chapelle is Pierre de Montreuil (about 1200-67), who adrebuilt the apse of Saint-Denis also possibly completed south facade of Notre-Dame of Paris.
Rayonnant represents the height of Gothic architecture. During this period architects focused on decoration, which took such forms as pinnacles, moldings, and especially window tracery (ribs and bars used to decorate the windows). The name Rayonnant comes from the radiating characteristics found in the Rose Window.

Some of the major Gothic achievements include Notre-Dame de Paris (French for Our Lady of Paris – I didn’t know that…), the church of Saint-Urbain in Troyes (founded 1262), and the extraordinary Sainte-Chapelle, Paris (consecrated 1248). Each of these cathedrals have deeply recessed entry-way and windows, rose windows, flying buttresses, beautifully worked decoration throughout the cathedrals and especially on the windows – stained glass and stone work. Notre-Dame is a little blockier, while the other two are a little more filigree looking to me, delicate and soaring in height.

Notre-Dame de Paris Entrance

Notre-Dame from the side - almost two
different styles.


La Sainte-Chapelle

Rib vaults in the Lower Chapel of La
Sainte-Chapelle

Saint-Urbain in Troyes (founded 1262)

Stained Glass and window tracery
(stone-work) in Saint-Urbain in Troyes

I was very intrigued by the grotesque style that was used during this time to represent demons which were placed on buildings to ward off evil. Notre-Dame has incredible grotesques. It was especially popular to put Gargoyles on the end of drain pipes which were important to keep the stone masonry from eroding from weather and water. When not used as drain spouts they should not be referred to as Gargoyles, but simply grotesques or chimeras. I think where the decorations were supposed to inspire and create heaven on earth for the worshipers, the grostesques were used to remind people what they wanted to avoid… similar to how the judgement of Christ was used in the tympanum of Romanesque cathedrals.