THE SAINTE CHAPELLE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

THE SAINTE CHAPELLE - Essay Example Sainte Chapelle, built by Louis IX during the 13th century on the le de la Cit in the center of Paris was a famous example of late gothic architecture. Late Gothic in France, 1240-1550, called Rayonnant and Flamboyant. Rayonnant from rayonner, to radiate or shine, used to describe window traceries. The most visually attractive aspects of the chapel, and considered the finest of their type in the world, are its stained glass (were the Passion was clearly manifested). The stonework is a delicate framework, and rose windows added to the upper chapel in the 15th century. Durham Cathedral was generally considered one of the finest works of 'Norman' cathedral in Europe. Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses (hidden above the aisle vaults) are visually evident in this cathedral. Notre Dame de Paris, built under High gothic period, a period wherein second-story gallery was omitted, but triforium or a three-story elevation was retained and reestablished. The catchiest feature of Notre Dame Cathedral was its Rose Window, built by Jean de Chelles, and was designed in the Rayonnant style. The Virgin and Child were depicted in the center circle, surrounded by figures of prophets. The second circle shows 32 Old Testament kings, and 32 high priests and patriarchs were depicted in the outer circle. Sainte Chapelle's structure was 36 m (118 ft) long, 17 m (56 ft) wide, and 42.5 m (139 ft) high. Fronted by a two-story porch, the Sainte-Chapelle had definite vertical proportions of Gothic architecture, which had been perfected during the 12th century. The architectural representation was that of a building with a single nave, culminated in a chevet with seven panels. Outside, the design was concentrated on the essentials - a sober base and heavy buttresses contrasting with the soaring lightness of the upper parts. The spire made of cedar, 33 meters (108 ft) high, a masterpiece of finesse, made in the 19th century, but an exact replica of the 15th century spire dominated the slate roof. The upper chapel was magnificent in its Gothic architecture - light, color, and space blend to inspire a sense of harmony between art and religious faith. Architects, sculptors and painters obviously took the greatest care with the interior of the upper chapel, as this was the part of the building reserved for the king, his close friends and family, as well as for displaying the religious relics. Supported by slender piers, the arched ceiling seemed to float above magnificent stained glass windows. Most significant of the sculpted decorations in the upper chapel were the statues of the twelve apostles, which lean on the columns marking the bays. With their flowing dress, finely featured faces and hair in flattened curls, they impart a sense of serenity in all who contemplate them. The lower chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, whose statue stands freely next to the central pier of the portal. Low arched ceilings rest on fine columns with decorative carved leaf capitals, connected by anchor braces made of wood or stone. The walls were decorated with trefoiled arcades and twelve medallions representing the Apostles. DESIGN INTENTION The progressive enlargement of the windows was not intended to shed more light into the interiors, but rather to provide an