Question

1.As the earliest example of Gothic architecture, briefly describe how the exterior structure and interior decoration of the St. Denis Cathedral differs from previous forms of architecture.

2.Compare each of the cathedrals listed below to the St. Denis. How do their exterior structures and interior decoration differ from “the original” Gothic cathedral?

3. Study the Chartres Cathedral. Based on your study of the other cathedrals, explain why this one is considered the perfect example of Gothic architecture. Be sure the address both its exterior structure and its interior decoration.

Answer 1

Answer 1.

Before going into the details of St. Denis Cathedral lets first get to know what really is Gothic Architecture

Gothic Architecture : The Gothic style of Architecture originated from the 12th century in France to the 16th Century.There is mainly three important characterstics of Gothic Architecture one is height the gothic Structure like Churches and cathedrals are pretty much higher another important Feature of Gothic Is pointed Arch or sometimes called Ogle Arch the idea of using the pointed arch is to have more of sunlight inside the building.Another important feature was the extensive use of stained glass, and the rose window to bring light and color to the interior.

Now lets come to the St. Denis Cathedral

There are many great churches in the City of Paris but this one St. Dennis is unique.

It is a landmark in the history of Architecture as its the first Church built by the Great Gothic Style. The difference with other forms of Architecture can be clearly seen in its pointed arch, the ribbed vault, radiating chapels, the clustered columns supporting ribs springing in different directions and the flying buttresses.

Exterior Architecture of St. Denis :

St. Denis was a transormation of stone into something light and fairy type structure while in Romanesque the stones are there simply to hold the building but here in Gothic style there is Vaults which are supported by surprisingly slim column and windows reach almost to the floor, creating what Suger called a ‘crown of light.' Suger was the patron of the Gothich style and he rebuilt the Saint Denis.

Rib vaults used in Saint Denis dates back to 11th century in Normandy a region of Northern France.Pointed arches were found in Normandy and Burgundy. Cylindrical columns were in ancient Rome in Egypt before that. St. Denis derived the triple portal of the west front from the arch of Constantine in Rome. The innovative rose window on the front facade of St Denis echoed the Roman Arch of Constantine which had a three-part division and three large portals to ease the problem of congestion.

Walls in Romensque are supports the wieght of the roof. They were solid with small opening for the windows.

But here in St. Denis the walls are thin and the roof is mainly supported by Heavy pillars instead.

The thin walls in st. Denis is reinforced by flying Buttress on the sides to Provide Strength to the wall.

Arches: Before the Gothic Style there is only use of Semi-Circular Arch but here in St. Denis the arches are pointed which emphasize more on verticality rather than solidity.

Ceiling : The rib was pointed in st .Denis and the ceiling was vaulted.

Soaring Spire Soaring Spire becomes fashionable in this type of Structure

Façade Western Façade retained some romanesque features particularly the portals.The doorjambs of north portals features the Sign of Zodiac.The south portals depicts the last communion in prison of St. Denis

Façade Entrance The main door of the Structure is of Bronze door

Interior Architecture

The interior of the church is flooded with light near the Transcept.The ceiling looks like suspended in air and the light coming from the all sides.As more of the Supporting walls were replaced by windows the interior of St. Denis is filled with light.Row of the window is on the lower wall. Colored Stained glass windows are used. There is a Rose window above the main entrance the violet light is coming from the Rose Window.These windows were made by the use of cartoons, large patterns that laid out the stories to be told. Then many pieces of colored glass were cut and fitted together by means of soft flexible channels made of lead which held the glass in position.

Answer 3.

Chartres Cathedral of France is considered the perfect Example of Gothic Architecture because of its Steepled Towers , Flying Buttresses and Rose Windows as these are all foundation element of Gothic Architecture.

The cathedral represents the true prototype of the Gothic cathedral characterized by a longitudinal body with a two aisles and an elevation on three levels - arcade, triforium, clerestory ( Clerestory means Containing a series of Window) crossed by a short transept and ending in a deep presbytery with ambulatory and radiating chapels.

Exterior Structure :

The Western Façade----

The monumental façade standing to the west is impressive by its soaring height, emphasised by the two high towers that frame it.

Main Component of the Structure

1. The Royal Portal :

The Royal Portal constitutes the main entrance of the cathedral. This triple portal there is the oldest of the three portals of Chartres Cathedral

2. 12th C Stand Glass Window

3. Rose Windows

4. North Tower

5. South Tower

The Interior of Chartres Cathedral

1. The Nave

Chartres Cathedral is 130 metres long. The nave is 16.4 metres wide and 44 meters long, consists of seven bays punctuated by as many columns.

2. The Labyrinth

It has a circular geometrical shape across the whole width of the main nave’s pavement between the third and the fourth bays.

3. The Transept

The vast transept was built to allow processions to be held. The porches  which the transept arms open are their to highlight their grand occasion.

4.The Choir and the Ambulatory

5. The Stained Glass Windows

6. The Rose Windows

ANSWER 2. FOR THIS ANSWER THERE IS NO LIST FOR CHURCES PRESENT IN THE QUESTION