Age of Cathedrals

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/age-of-cathedrals

Introduction

### Course Review: Age of Cathedrals on Coursera #### Overview The age of Gothic cathedrals marked a profound transformation in the architectural landscape of the Middle Ages, and the "Age of Cathedrals" course offered on Coursera provides a compelling and insightful introduction to this extraordinary period. This course invites participants to delve into the intricate relationship between these magnificent structures and the art, literature, economics, and cultural advancements that flourished during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Designed for enthusiasts of history, architecture, and culture alike, this course aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation of the High Middle Ages and the enduring impact of these monumental edifices. #### Course Structure and Content 1. **Introduction & Saint-Denis I** The course kicks off with a historical perspective of Paris in the post-Charlemagne era and the inception of the first Gothic cathedral at Saint-Denis. The narrative effectively sets the stage by examining the socioeconomic conditions that necessitated the construction efforts led by Abbot Suger, offering a fascinating glimpse into early urban development. 2. **Saint-Denis** Here, participants explore the profound theological implications of Suger’s architectural vision through the lens of anagogical uplift, demonstrating how the physical space was imbued with spiritual significance. The exploration of stained glass artistry exemplifies the interconnectedness of faith and craftsmanship, making for an engaging study. 3. **Architectural Innovation** This module provides a deep dive into the engineering breakthroughs that distinguished Gothic architecture. By comparing Gothic innovations to their Romanesque predecessors, students gain a well-rounded understanding of the intricate design elements, such as ribbed vaults and flying buttresses, that allowed for ethereal spaces filled with dazzling light. 4. **Notre Dame de Paris** The exploration of Notre Dame is particularly captivating, as students examine both its exterior sculptural programs and interior marvels, such as the iconic rose windows. This section not only highlights the artistic prowess of the period but also contextualizes the cathedral within the social and cultural fabric of medieval Paris. 5. **Intellectual and Everyday Life** This module shifts focus to the intellectual climate of the time, examining the flourishing of the scholastic method and the emergence of early university culture. Through the lens of Abelard’s autobiography and comedic tales, the course highlights the evolving mindset of the urban populace, marked by wit and a questioning spirit. 6. **Our Lady of Chartres** A vital segment of the course, the study of Chartres Cathedral showcases the zenith of Gothic architecture. Students delve into the relics, architectural details, and the significant role of urban merchants in financing the cathedral’s magnificent stained glass, offering insights into the close ties between commerce and culture. 7. **Cathedrals and Crusades** The examination of the relationship between the Crusades and cathedral building is a crucial aspect that enriches the historical narrative. Drawing connections between the art and literature of the period, especially through “The Song of Roland,” provides a cohesive understanding of the cultural dynamics at play. 8. **Saints and Kings** Concluding with the exploration of Sainte-Chapelle and the life of Saint Louis, participants engage with the themes of holiness and monarchy encapsulated in glass. The detailed readings from Joinville’s works serve to highlight the intersection of faith, power, and heritage. 9. **Conclusion** The course wraps up with an overview of the significance of Gothic cathedrals through time, leaving students with a thoughtful perspective on how these structures have endured as symbols of resilience and artistic achievement. #### Recommendation The "Age of Cathedrals" course stands out for its comprehensive approach to understanding the Gothic period. The combination of architectural analysis, historical context, and cultural exploration makes it an enriching experience for anyone seeking to deepen their appreciation of this pivotal era. Whether you're a student of history, a lover of architecture, or simply curious about the Middle Ages, this course provides a well-structured and intellectually stimulating journey through the age of cathedrals. **Final Thoughts**: I highly recommend this course for its depth and breadth; the engaging content and expert insights make it a valuable resource for anyone wanting to explore the legacy of Gothic architecture and its lasting influences on contemporary society. Enroll today and embark on a fascinating exploration of the age that shaped our understanding of sacred space and community life!

Syllabus

Introduction & Saint-Denis I

An introduction to the history of Paris in the centuries of chaos following the death of Charlemagne in 814 and the building of the first Gothic cathedral at Saint-Denis, just north of Paris. The old abbey church, where the kings of France were buried, was inadequate, and so a new building project was undertaken by Abbot Suger, who financed the new building through efficient land management and the commercial Fair of Lendit along a trade route between northern and southern Europe.

Here we encounter the portrait of Abbot Suger via his account of how and why he built Saint-Denis, what is portrayed on the West façade of the cathedral, and how the doctrine of God as light, encountered in a book which had come from Byzantium to the abbey centuries earlier, was translated into architectural form. We see some of the objects that are part of the treasury of Saint-Denis and discuss the Abbot’s notion of “anagogical uplift” as a way of moving—via stained glass—between the Old and New Testaments and from the material to the spiritual plane.

Filling in the background of Romanesque churches that preceded Gothic buildings, we discuss the origins and engineering innovations of the new style of religious architecture. These include ribbed vaults, reinforced pillars, pointed arches, flying buttresses, and a modular system of bay construction; all of which permits the construction of higher and lighter, thinner walls filled with stained glass.

Moving to the heart of Paris, we explore the initial construction of Notre-Dame and the innovations that were undertaken almost as soon as the building began. We discuss the sculptural programs of Notre-Dame’s West façade, including the portal which depicts the life of Saint Anne, Christ’s grandmother, and Mary, his mother and the central portal of the Last Judgment. Along the south side, we discover the story of the stoning of Saint Stephen; and, along the North, the miracle of Theophilus and the Virgin. Moving inside the cathedral, we encounter the stunning rose windows of Notre-Dame.

Here we examine the cathedral in terms of surrounding intellectual and everyday life. A reading of Peter Abelard’s autobiography, The Story of my Misfortunes, testifies to the growth of the scholastic method in the context of the earliest university culture; and two verse comic tales, “The Crucified Priest” and “The Peekaboo Priest” introduce the new mentality of the inhabitant of towns with emphasis on cleverness, quick thinking, and timing along with an anti-clerical spirit.

In Module 6 we move West of Paris to the cathedral of Chartres where Gothic architecture hits its stride. We explore the history of Chartres, its unique and mysterious architectural features, and its miraculous relic—the Holy Tunic. We discuss the financing of Chartres as seen in the windows donated by merchant which depict the various urban trades alongside the sculpture of the West façade, the rose and lancet stained glass windows, and the secular Zodiac and Charlemagne windows, the latter of which is linked to important literary works of the period.

In Module 7 we examine in some detail The Song of Roland, portions of which are depicted in the stained glass of Chartres, and we explore the relationship of relics from the Middle East to cathedral building.

In Module 8 we explore Saint Louis’s building of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris as a house of glass, a new Ark of the Covenant, to house the relics he had amassed. Using Jean de Joinville’s Life of Saint-Louis as our source, we encounter the Saint King’s life as a crusader, his death, canonization, and the miracles performed by his body on his way to sainthood.

By way of conclusion, we explore the history of Gothic cathedrals from the Middle Ages to the present.