Gotic Cathedrals

7 Pages 1753 Words

hurches that were different from the abbeys.
In June of 1144, King Louis VII of France and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, along with five archbishops, converged upon the Benedictine abbey-church of Saint-Denis. Because this church was considered a relic, the sculptured portals that were added had to conform to the dimensions of the already existing church. Saint Denis is the key monument of early gothic art and architecture. The restored large central rose window (circular stained-glass window) became standard in French-Gothic architecture. Gothic sculpture made its first appearance at Saint Denis. Sculptors were brought in by Abbot Suger to help carry on the rich heritage of Romanesque Burgundy. Statues of kings, queens, and profits were attached to columns, which screened the jambs of all 3 doorways (Kleiner 490). Proclaiming the majesty and power of Christ, these sculptures was destroyed from the western façade during the French Revolution. During the reign of Napoleon III, the French Gothic structures were threatened with extermination by Imperial order. This was achieved effectively in Paris, the very birthplace of Gothic spirit (Gothic Dreams 2).
Great Rose windows were wonderful sources of light for the dark interior of the cathedrals. These great windows...