Life in Medieval Europe MEDIEVAL NOT MEDIEVAL
Feudalism
Medieval Christian Art & Architecture In a time of turmoil, cathedrals represented unity, coherence, and harmony What elements/characteristics might we see in Medieval Architecture?
Chartres Cathedral
Construction $ Taxes Years of construction
West Facade North Tower South Tower c Royal Portal c Rose Window
Chartres Cruciform Plan navecrossing transept choirapsenarthex porch ambulatory chapels aisle west portal
Nave
Elevation of Nave
Symbolism in Chartres Clerestory: you gaze forward and upward Little decoration – focus on shafts and arches
Flying Buttresses
Vault
Royal Portal
West façade, c Christ Enthroned in Royal Majesty dominates the central tympanum Calm and order prevail in the imagery of the Royal Portal in contrast to the somewhat more crowded imagery at many Romanesque churches
Royal Portal Christ in the central tympanum appears imposing but more benign than earlier representations Royal Portal, Chartres Cathedral c West Portal, Cathedral of Saint-Lazare c