Gothic Cathedrals

Step inside anyone of the numerous Gothic cathedrals and instantly awash of transcendence is invoked. Elaborate ribbed vaulted ceilings instill a sense of awe, wonder, and obedience to the divine order. The warmth of God’s divine light illuminates the stone vaults and decorated domes of the cathedrals as it pours through stain glass windows. The aesthetically pleasing bare bones are purposely left apparent in the construction of Gothic style buildings. Additionally, in the comprising of clustered columns, pointed ribbed vaults and flying buttresses, the Gothic style became a stone skeleton and the structural parts of the building ceased to be its solid walls. The introduction of the pointed arch is the defining character shift between …show more content…
There he began his education and continued his training resolutely from basilica to basilica only to poetically return to St. Denis and serve as it’s abbey. At his coronation he attained a greater authority by means of an anointment with holy oil. Recognizing the benefits of this sacred character conferred on him, Suger eagerly exploited it. As a childhood friend and confidant to the great French Kings Louis VI and Louis VII he gained support to rebuild the great Basilica of Saint Denis, a burial church of the French monarchs. Making France strong was his life’s calling and even though he was restricted in power Suger tirelessly aimed his efforts at restoring the basilica. By mixing the Burgundian pointed arch and the Norman ribbed vault, Suger and his architects established a new style in church architecture resulting in a basilica considered to be the first of the Gothic style. In the rebuilding of the Basilica of Saint Denis, Sugar used multiple architects. This is evident in the contrast of styles of the eastern end to the western end. On the initial portion of the western section of the church are conventions that reflect Romanesque capitals and moulding endowed with rich detailing. A second