In Christianity, art is essential for instruction, especially through illustrations of Bible stories. The relationship between art and Christianity is established through the analysis of stained glass and exterior sculpture in a Gothic Cathedral. In particular, Chartres Cathedral is famous for stained glass art and a rich collection of Gothic sculptures. The cathedral, moreover, is among the best-preserved examples of Gothic architecture. The physical descriptions of artworks, interpretations of symbolism, and analysis of importance in the culture in which the artworks exist, show that stained glass and exterior sculpture are vital to the existence of Chartres Cathedral.
Stained Glass Art in Chartres Cathedral
Physical Description
Stained glass art is essential to the existence of Chartres Cathedral, such as through the renown Blue Virgin window. The Blue Virgin window is among the many stained glass windows in the cathedral. Located near the West Rose window, the Blue Virgin dominantly features Mary with baby Jesus. Mary rests on a throne, wearing a crown and a blue robe. She also has a blue halo on top of her head, a white veil falling on either side. Panels surrounding this image show six angles, with the lower windows illustrating scenes from the first miracle at a wedding festival in Cana. There are also scenes from the temptations that Jesus faced. Interestingly, blue, yellow, and red stained glasses dominate the artwork, with the image of Mary and Jesus carefully cast against a red background.
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Interpretations of Symbolism
Several symbols exist in the artwork, with meanings vital to Christianity and the Chartres Cathedral. Blue is a color of purity and heavenly love, represented through the Virgin Mary, who forms the center of attention in the artwork. Red, on the other hand, may represent the blood of Jesus. Combined, the two colors reveal that the image is showing the story of the Virgin Mary and the birth of Jesus. The white dove, on the other hand, shows the Holy Spirit, and the presence of angels is a revelation of heavenly messengers essential to the Coming of Jesus Christ (International Marian Research Institute, 2017). The temptations of Jesus, along with the first miracle, on the other hand, may show that victory over evil is only possible through incarnation (Lamarre, 2017). Each of these symbols is essential to Christianity-vital messages for Chartres Cathedral.
Image of the Blue Virgin Window (International Marian Research Institute, 2017)
Exterior Sculpture in Chartres Cathedral
Physical Description
The exterior sculpture is essential to the existence of Chartres Cathedral, such as through the ‘Military saint, Stephen, Clement, and Lawrence’ sculpture. Among the external gothic sculptures at Chartres cathedral is one showing a military saint, Saint Stephen, Pope Clement, and Lawrence (martyred deacon of the Church of Rome). Like most of the other external gothic sculptures at the cathedral, the piece is a statue carved in stone, thus taking the natural earthly hues. Moreover, each of the figures is made to carry something essential, such as books and a staff.
Image shows‘ Military saint, Stephen, Clement, and Lawrence’ sculpture (University of Pittsburgh, 2018)
Interpretations of Symbolism
Several symbols exist in the artwork, with meanings vital to Christianity and the Chartres Cathedral. Pope Clement, for instance, holds a staff, with his hand raised in a gesture similar to ‘blessings’ in the Roman Church. Moreover, Clement is distinguishable from the rest due to his papal vestments and tiara-symbolic to the position of the Pope in the church (University of Pittsburgh, 2018). Each of these symbols is essential to Christianity and the Chartres Cathedral.
Analysis of Importance in Existing Culture
Considering the religious background upon which the above artworks are set, a number of essential elements can be derived. The use of color, for instance, is symbolic in Christianity, capable of inspiring specific thoughts and feelings (such as purity and holiness in blue and white respectively). The images, moreover, are embedded in the minds of viewers, creating a relationship with religion and enabling the distinction of symbols. The various positions in the church, for instance, are distinguishable through the different clothing, and the image of the Virgin Mary with Jesus is notable because of its uniqueness, accompanied with special characteristics such as the halo and doves.
References
International Marian Research Institute. (2017, October 30). Chartres' Belle-Verrière Window : University of Dayton, Ohio. Retrieved from https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/c/chartres-belle-verrire-window.php
Lamarre, M. (2017). The Symbolic functions of the Enthroned Virgin in the Cathedral of Chartres. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1139016/The_Symbolic_functions_of_the_Enthroned_Virgin_in_the_Cathedral_of_Chartres
University of Pittsburgh. (2018). Left Jambs : Military Saint, Stephen, Clement, Lawrence | Digital Pitt. Retrieved from https://digital.library.pitt.edu/islandora/object/pitt%3AFCSP31600100
