Preview

Notre Dame de Paris

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
3784 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Notre Dame de Paris
Abstract

Notre-Dame of Paris is one of the most prominent cathedrals in the land of Paris and portrays many diversified Gothic characteristics. This research essay will explore the cathedral in detail while emphasizing on the influence of Gothic architecture on the cathedral. Notre-Dame of Paris bears all the structural features of a Gothic cathedral including the famous rose window. By far, the Gothic style has influenced the entire design of Notre-Dame of Pairs. If there were other influences, it would be too minor to be taken noticed of. The construction began in year 1163. Being a significant building to the locals, she bore important responsibilities. Eugene Viollet-le-Duc played an important role in the cathedral’s restoration. Efforts should be carried out to ensure that the cathedral will bear her legacies into the future.

Executive Summary
Notre-Dame of Paris is one of the most prominent cathedrals in the land of Paris and a great success as an architecture building as well as a symbolic structure in religion history. She portrays many diversified Gothic characteristics. This research essay will explore the cathedral in an attempt to answer these questions: 1) What are the obvious influences of the Gothic style to the cathedral? ; 2) Has the Gothic style influenced the building completely or only part of it? If it was only partially influenced, what may be the other influence that affected the design of the structure? ; 3) How and when the cathedral was build? ; 4) What is the importance of this cathedral and how did the local people accepted the cathedral?

The definition of Gothic architecture given by ‘Thefreedictionary [online]’ is a “style of architecture developed in northern France that spread throughout Europe between the 12th and 16th centuries; characterized by slender vertical piers and counterbalancing buttresses and by vaulting and pointed arches”. The architectural style immediately preceding the Gothic is the Romanesque while the


References: Ayers, A. (2004). The Architecture of Paris. London: Stuttgart Bony,J Cedron, R. (2004). Notre Dame de Paris. Retrieved September 9th from http://www.elore.com/Gothic/History/Overview/paris.htm Coldstream, N Davidson, L and Ayre, E. (1999) The National Geographic Traveler: Paris. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society. Gothic Architecture (n.d.). Introduction: Flowering of the Gothic in Vol.4 No.2 of Athena Review. Retrieved September 10th,2007 from http://www.athenapub.com/14gothic-architecture.htm Hanafi, Z (2006) Lewis, M.J. (2002).The Gothic Revival. London :Thames & Hudson Ltd McNutt, S.(1997) Churches and Cathedrals: Masterpieces of architecture Mills, I.C. (1999). Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris. Retrieved September 9th from http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Cathedrals/Paris/Notre-Dame.shtml# Thefreedictionary (n.d.) Wilson, C. (2002) .The Gothic Cathedral. London :Thames & Hudson Ltd Findings from Russell (1999) clearly indicate that … McKenzie (1998) challenges the view that… Lee (2000) contends that… Briggs (1990) states that… As Wolston (1997) reports… As Black (1999) argues… According to Smith (1996)… Huynh (1992) points out that…. Patel (1989) refers to … The study by Chen (1993) identifies… Watts(1999) comments/argues/claims/asserts/maintains that… Hansen (1988) has investigated … Nguyen (1995) discusses… It is imperative that … (Gartner, 1989, p It has been argued that…(Williams, 1997).
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Chicano-Chapelle Research Paper
    • 688 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Chicano-Chapelle Research Paper

    The church was designed in such a beautiful way that people come just to see the decorated chapels. There are two of these chapels - the lower chapel and the upper chapel. The lower chapel is highly decorated, and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. During the reign of King Louis IX, this area of the cathedral was reserved for palace staff. The architecture in this chapel is stunning; the ceiling is painted to appear a starry sky, the walls hold representations of the Apostles, and even the floor holds tombstones of reverends and treasurers of the Sainte-Chapelle. The one negative thing about the lower chapel is that it is quite dark. This is a contrast to the upper chapel. The upper chapel is light and full of color, and is known as the “Highlight of the Monument.” The decorations show art and religion working harmoniously, and there is a sense of holiness in this area because this is the chapel in which the Holy Relics were kept. Although both of these chapels are very beautiful, perhaps the most beautiful thing of all in this cathedral are the stained glass windows. Appearing in dominant colors of blue and red, there are about 600 square meters of these stained glass windows. The art dates back to a long time ago - the twelfth century craftsmanship is ancient, yet so perfect to the cathedral. What is even more stunning about these window panes is that they can be read in arches that go from left to right. In fact, they tell…

    • 688 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Aa100 Tma04
    • 1405 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Aa100 Tma04

    * Discuss “contrasts” and its intention to highlight gothic architecture as tradition which had declined since reformation.…

    • 1405 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Gargoyles In Gothic Architecture
    • 124 Words
    • 1 Page

    Gargoyles In Gothic Architecture

    Third, in Gothic architecture was had some animals on the walls. The animals are call Gargoyles. The Gargoyles were also one of the important characteristic of Gothic architecture. The Gargoyles usually on the top of the roof of buildings. The Gargoyles not only the decorative, but also deterrence evil not to come close this place. In fact the purpose of the Gargoyles were drain off the rainwater from the roof. This design on the roof not only the functional, but also had another meaning behind. Most of Gothic architecture buildings were no longer just decorate inside, the architects were decorated outside. The Notre Dame cathedral is the typical example of gothic style. The Notre Dame cathedral has all of the characteristic we mentioned before.…

    • 124 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    St. John The Divine Analysis
    • 114 Words
    • 1 Page

    St. John The Divine Analysis

    Even though the Italians said the Gothic architecture is “barbaric” and should discontinue the style, surprisingly the style is still being constructed to this day. I chose the St. John the Divine because it has so much similarity to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris. Even though the St. John the Divine is unfinished, it is a very big tourist attraction, just like the Cathedral of Notre Dame. They both have the whole gothic style look, such as the wheel windows, that you notice, almost always, first and stained glass windows. The only difference that is noticeably is how the Cathedral of Notre Dame has a different front look then St. John the Divine.…

    • 114 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Patchwork 3 – Analysis and Comparison of Both Pre-Existing and Contemporary Buildings
    • 1882 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Patchwork 3 – Analysis and Comparison of Both Pre-Existing and Contemporary Buildings

    The Musée du Louvre and its Pyramid, and St Paul’s Cathedral with the nearby 30 St Mary Axe were the chosen topics by both members of our group. All of these buildings are iconic building within their cities, and all were designed and built with vastly different contexts and purposes in mind. In this essay we will compare and contrast the different buildings in a manner that will help us understand the juxtaposition of old and new buildings. We will also investigate what made the contemporary buildings in question switch status from controversial to widely accepted as unique and brilliant pieces of architecture. After considering the different context(s) and style(s) of the building we will present our informed personal opinions based upon our research, to reach a conclusion in accordance with the research question. Before we undertake an analysis we will quickly summarise what has been aforementioned in Patchworks 1 & 2.…

    • 1882 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Santa Maria Del Fiore Research Paper
    • 1390 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Santa Maria Del Fiore Research Paper

    The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore has managed to raise several questions and curiosity amongst scholars. In the early 14th century a feud between Florence and other emerging cities began, each trying to beat the other with building bigger cathedrals. Florentines didn’t like the look of gothic cathedrals, for inspiration for their dome, they looked at ancient Rome’s famous building that payed tribute to all of the gods, the Pantheon. A mural, years…

    • 1390 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Miracle of the Crib at Greccio Essay Example
    • 606 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Miracle of the Crib at Greccio Essay Example

    This article introduces and compare some pieces of art works that are related to St. Francis itself and the…

    • 606 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Saint Sophia
    • 363 Words
    • 1 Page

    Saint Sophia

    5. This cathedral’s qualities and design’s would leave a long lasting impression on visitors such as merchants. Passer byers may be awe struck and impressed by the structure and captivated by its beauty that they themselves decide to covert beliefs sooner or…

    • 363 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Chartes Cathedral
    • 436 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Chartes Cathedral

    Upon finishing the circuitous walk, we continue to the apse. Since the cathedral is laid out in a cruciform shape, we pass by the two transepts (right and left rectangular shapes of a cross). Pillars line the aisle stretching a magnificant18 m to the ceiling. Once in the nave, we can observe the vaulted ceiling, which is 36 m high, and stained glass windows on either side. Prior to entering the Cathedral, we had noticed the unusual flying buttresses (the supporting arches over the windows) on the outside walls of the nave, created to support the extra tall vaulted ceiling. The extraordinary stained glass windows are dark, but still light enough to allow us to view “biblical stories, legends of the saints, the lives of heroes like Roland and Charlemagne, and scenes of everyday medieval life”.…

    • 436 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    St John the Divine
    • 729 Words
    • 3 Pages

    St John the Divine

    The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine is simply breathtaking. From the exterior to the interior of the cathedral, you can find plentiful amounts of highly sophisticated bodies of work. Before laying a foot inside, the massive bronze doors containing forty-eight relief panels depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament catches the eyes of many. Also, many note the exquisite statues and carvings of saints and Jesus all along the Western Front of the Cathedral. Once inside, the enormous pilier-cantonnés stand along the nave aisle, where it erects up into the ceiling. Eventually, the columns meet with one another at four angles, creating a quadripartite vault in the nave ceiling. The stained glass windows that lines the entire cathedral strikes your retina at all different angles as you rotate your body. A little beyond the crossing, the high altar contains a magnificent cross, as well as an iron tomb of the man who founded the cathedral. If you focus the eyes just behind the choir, you will glare at seven stunning radial chapels—each one representing an apostle, a patron, or immigrant. But out of all the marvelous artwork within and outside the chapel, there was one particular window that caught my attention.…

    • 729 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    French Gothic Cathedrals
    • 1741 Words
    • 7 Pages

    French Gothic Cathedrals

    The period approximately from 1000 to the late 1300s can be concerned to be the time of full bloom of the Gothic cathedral. As the famous architectural style, the Gothic style was originated from France. In this essay, French gothic and English gothic have been selected to demonstrate how two historical periods can have many differences but still remain true to their own religious variations, architectural features and functions and meanings to create insightful parallels. Five of the French cathedrals and one of the English cathedrals have been selected to represent French and English gothic periods respectively, including Notre-Dame Cathedral (Figure 1), Chartres Cathedral (Figure 2), Amiens Cathedral (Figure 3), Beauvais Cathedral (Figure…

    • 1741 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Essay On Medieval Cathedrals
    • 1401 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Essay On Medieval Cathedrals

    Civilizations have evolved and prospered throughout history, producing unique buildings and architectural styles along the way. The buildings are expressed as society’s values and unique characteristics that are simply astonishing. Medieval cathedrals were the product of more than a 1000 years of both religion and architectural evolution. Medieval cathedrals played a major role in Christian heritage, the gothic and architecture. The medieval period, with its boundless faith and energetic spirit, found an ultimate expression in the cathedral…

    • 1401 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Comparison of Two Historical Art Periods
    • 1131 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Comparison of Two Historical Art Periods

    Gothic style came about in the middle of the twelfth century. It was named after the Goths that controlled France during that time. It was developed as a result of Christian ideals. Christian leaders wanted big, tall, ornate churches to represent their strong faith. Later it was also used for non-religious buildings such as castles, walls, bridges, and gates. Citizens of the time period wanted striking, rich looking churches to represent their success and wealth, also leading to Gothic style. Common Gothic features include the pointed arch, the rib vault, buttresses, stained glass, and buildings that were shaped in the form of a cross. In addition, many cathedrals were heavily decorated with gargoyles, griffins, dragons, and other beastly, scary looking creatures. The Gothic style of architecture prevailed for around four hundred years. Over time Gothic developed into many similar styles. Enthusiasm for Gothic began to wane in the 1400’s, first in central Italy where it had never been very popular. However, in northern Europe Gothic style remained into the 16th century and beyond. (“Gothic Architecture”, 2013) There is sub culture today in the 21st century that consider themselves “Goth”. They wear dark clothes and make up and typically have a somber, morose attitude.…

    • 1131 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Ancient Greek Culture
    • 1522 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Ancient Greek Culture

    There are so many ways in which history has been documented over time all serving as a permanent record of a culture and its people for future generations to have access to and learn from. The study of the visual arts and architecture in a given time period showcase the basic ideas about a group of human beings giving insight into their beliefs and cultural message. These insights are presented with a specific point of view intended by its creator, influenced by its historical experiences. And so, it is the responsibility of the observer to examine pieces of art and architectural structures taking into account the context in which they were produced. By doing so, we can more accurately understand the ideas that are trying to be conveyed. Political,…

    • 1522 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Early Christian Architecture Analysis
    • 1447 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Early Christian Architecture Analysis

    Luis Barragan states, “Architecture is an art when one consciously or unconsciously creates aesthetic emotion in the atmosphere and when this environment produces well-being.” This statement is more vividly conveyed through a cross-cultural analysis of two of the most well-known architectural structures of their era, Old Saint Peter’s Basilica, located in Rome, Italy, ca. 319, and Hagia Sophia, located in Constantinople, Turkey (Istanbul), 532-537. The architectural style of Old St. Peter’s and Hagia Sophia is characterized by Rome’s rich building traditions, philosophy of design, and form and function. For centuries, Old Saint Peter’s Basilica and Hagia Sophia have remained a genuine expression of Christianity and have both captured the essence…

    • 1447 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More

Related Topics