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Comparison and Contrast of Two Gothic Cathedrals

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Comparison and Contrast of Two Gothic Cathedrals
Comparison and Contrast of Two Gothic Cathedrals

Gothic Style is some of the most beautiful works of art that man have ever made. It originated with the Romanesque style of building which lasted for about one hundred years before it was replaced by Gothic styles. The founder of the Gothic style was a man by the name of Abbot Suger. Notre Dame de Chartres cathedral was built in France between 1145 and 1513 and is Gothic architecture. Another Gothic architecture is the Bourges and it is located in Bourges France. Both of these works of art are very similar with many different features. When Abbot Suger created the Gothic style he had in mind to create a church to pay respects to God by illuminating light with stained glass. His belief was that the beauty could bring one to the heavenly world. Both the Norte Dame de Chartres and the Bourges cathedral demonstrates just what Abbot had in mind. The Norte Dame is considered three-dimensional and was and was created by architect Guy Nicot. In the construction of the Notre Dame de Chartes masonry and stone was used. The builders also used a rib vault and buttress design due to the fact that the building had extremely high vaults. The vaults were separated into four webs by two diagonally crossing ribs. The Chartes cathedral nave features had round and octagonal cord piers which both had four columns which were half attached. The Chartres cathedral has hundreds of carved sculptures throughout the entire place. All of the sculptures were made with limestone with demonstrations of theological themes and narratives. There are about one hundred and seventy windows that are

all stained glass with a dark color interior. There is also a sculpture of Christ inside the Chartes cathedreal. Both the Notre Dame de Chartres cathedral the Bourges cathedral has many of the same designs. The Bourges is also a three-dimensional building that was made with stone and masonry. Two ribs that are diagonal that



References: Bourges cathedral. At the end of the 12th century: an avant-garde Cathedral for a new world. Retrieved from Patrick, Frank. Artforms. Gothic; page 244-255. Unknown. Earthlore: Expression and Technique of Craft Utilized Within Gothic Churches, Cathedrals, and Monasteries. Retrieved from www.elore.com/Gothic/Glossary/techniques.htm

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