Poitiers Cathedral architecture exhibits mainly the Gothic style with its rose window centered at the front, its well known tall stained glass windows that illuminate the interior, and its barrel vaulting and pointed arches. The north door contains elements of the transition between Romanesque and Gothic architecture. While the exterior harbors many examples of this Gothic architecture and splendid detailing, the interior brings out an even brighter illumination of a new architectural period of the Middle Ages.
In the interior the 12th and 13th century stained glass windows highlight the humanization of religion within the Middle Ages. For example, this stained glass window depicts largely the crucifixion of Jesus as well as the upside down crucifixion of St. Peter, the beheading of St. Paul, and illustration of Mary and other Apostles. This magnificent window sits at the east end of the Cathedral and is thought to have been donated by King Henry and Eleanor. This window in and of itself is a large depiction of the idea of humanizing religious figures and specifically the Virgin Mary. In this window on the bottom-top right hand side there can be seen three Mary's approaching the empty tomb and at the top one Mary is illustrated with St. Peter and other Apostles witnessing the Assumption.Not only does this Cathedral illustrate and harbor many beautiful aspects of the arising Gothic style of the Middle Ages, but it also includes some of the first large and detailed stained glass windows of this century.
Works Cited:
Class Discussion 10/25-10/28
Hayes, Holly. Poitiers Cathedral. Sacred Destinations
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/poitiers-cathedral
Whatling, Stuart. Poitiers Cathedral. Medievalart, 2009.
http://www.medievalart.org.uk/PoitiersWindows/PoitiersWindows_default.htm
The stained glass is really marvelous. I wonder what is housed in the right wing of the Cathedral? It is a bit taller than the other. Perhaps more stained glass!
ReplyDeleteStained glass is so beautiful, and the fact that a story can be presented in it is amazing. I also think it's really intriguing that aspects of the transition into Gothic architecture can be seen in this cathedral, such as in the north door.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like many buildings in the 1300s underwent a transition from Romanesque architecture to Gothic architecture. Other than that, the stained glass windows are fascinating in how they look and how they illustrate religious moments.
ReplyDeleteEarlier than the 1300s though.
DeleteBeautiful stained glass and links to our class.
ReplyDeleteI really wish we still had proper stained glass craftsmen today. imagine the windows of the FSC tinting the dining hall in colors that represent our history
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post relating to the Gothic cathedrals we have been observing in class. It is fascinating that this cathedral actually shows the transition from Romanesque to Gothic through architectural differences throughout the building. I would love to visit the Poitiers Cathedral just to see that stained glass window.
ReplyDeleteCorinna, this was a really solid post over the Politiers Cathedral. The second picture you posted is a beautiful image of a stained glass window, which was very important to this cathedral. I like how you talked about Gothic architecture, which is key to the cathedrals of the Middle Ages. After reading this post and seeing the images, I would like to visit Politiers Cathedral someday.
ReplyDelete