44 Chapter 11.3: Sainte-Chapelle and Gothic Sculpture

Sainte-Chapelle TASK:

Not all monuments built in the Gothic style were cathedrals. The term Cathedral designates the church of the bishop, which contained his throne (cathedra). The private chapel of the French royal family and connected to the palace, Sainte-Chapelle represents a late manifestation of the Gothic style known as the Courtly Style (or Rayonnant). After watching the video, please answer the questions below.

Sainte-Chapelle, Paris 

Sainte-Chapelle TASK prompts:

What is the significance of the reliquary housed there?

What function does the chapel have relative to the crown of the thorns?

What are the characteristics of the Rayonnant style?

What does the exterior resemble?

GOTHIC SCULPTURE

The High Gothic sculptures of Chartres and Reims cathedrals displayed naturalistic characteristics, moving away from the elongated, frontal, and static images of the Romanesque period and Early Gothic phase of art. Sculpture came in many shapes and sizes and was not used exclusively as decoration for the great cathedrals built.

Virgin of Jeanne d’Evreux TASK

The Virgin Mary grew in popularity in the Gothic age. Numerous cathedrals were named in her honor – Notre Dame or Our Lady. Discussed in the video below, her representation changed as she grew in importance, taking on additional roles. After watching the video, please answer the following questions.

Humanizing Mary: the Virgin of Jeanne d’Evreux 

Virgin of Jeanne d’Evreux TASK prompts:

How do the materials suggest the luxurious nature of this commission?

Who likely commissioned this and for whom?

What makes the image more human?

How is Christ’s death foreshadowed and why?

How Did Mary’s representation change in the Gothic period?

How does the imagery on the base relate to the sculpture of the Virgin and Child?