Gothic Cathedrals I.Role of Cathedral II.Microcosm of Medieval World
Medieval Pilgrimage Routes Rise of Trade & Growth of Towns and Cities
manor monastery CITY
The Cathedral of Notre Dame, Chartres
Sancta Chamisia 876
Pagan Sacred Spring Statue of Madonna by St. Luke 734 Church Dedicated to Virgin 876 Sacra Chamisia 11 th Century New Basilica Early 12 th Century Fire Late 12 th Century (1194) Fire 1194 –1220 New Cathedral
Economy I. Role of the Cathedral
4 Annual Fairs
Town MeetingsMystery, Miracle & Morality Plays
EducationHealth Care
Spiritual: Sacraments, Salvation “Catechism in Glass & Stone”
“To adore images is one thing; to teach with their help what should be adored is another. What Scripture is to the educated, images are to the ignorant... They read in them what they cannot in books.” - Pope Gregory the Great (11th Century)
Medieval Universe in Microcosm
West Façade - Early 12 th Century
Right Portal7 Liberal Arts
Left PortalSigns of the Zodiac Labors of the Month
Center Portal
“Royal Portal” Jamb Sculpture
North Porch
Old Testament Jamb Sculptures
Center Portal Coronation of the Virgin
The Visitation, c. 1200Royal Portal, c. 1150
South Porch “Beau Dieu” Trumeau
< “Beau Dieu” Amiens
Center Portal – Last Judgment
Martyrs Jamb Sculpture
GOD Spiritual Realm (Faith & Divine Revelation ) MAN Earthly World (Reason) Cathedral
“... transported from this inferior to that higher world...”
“dwelling... in some strange region of the universe which neither exists entirely in the slime of the earth nor entirely in the purity of Heaven...”
“delight in the beauty of the house of God... away from external cares” - Abbot Suger c. 1144
Flying Buttresses
II. Microcosm of Medieval World in Stained Glass
Old Testament King David Noah’s Ark
New Testament Last Supper Annunciation Nativity
Demons, Saints, Martyrs Murder of Thomas à Beckett
Heroes from History Charlemage
Contemporary Medieval Society Queen Blanche of Castille Royalty Nobility
Merchants Tradespeople Cloth Merchants Spice Traders
Craftsmen & Guilds Butchers Wheelwrights Cobblers Masons & Sculptors
Wine Growers GuildCount Thibault VI of Champagne Labors of the Month Signs of the Zodiac
Peasants Serfs Pope King KnightsChurch Nobility Commoner Middle Class: Merchants Craftsmen