Meaning of Innovations and Traditions in Chartres Cathedral Essay

Meaning of Innovations and Traditions in Chartres Cathedral - Essay Example The cathedral you see today dates principally from the 13th century, when it was rebuilt with the efforts and contributions of kings, princes, churchmen, and pilgrims from all over Europe. One of the world's greatest high Gothic cathedrals, it was the first to use flying buttresses to support the soaring dimensions within. French sculpture in the 12th century broke into full bloom when the Royal Portal was added. A landmark in Romanesque art, the sculptured bodies is elongated, often stylized, in their long, flowing robes. But the faces are amazingly lifelike, occasionally winking or smiling. In the central tympanum, Christ is shown at the Second Coming, with his descent depicted on the right and his ascent on the left. Before entering, walk around to both the North Portal and the South Portal, each from the 13th century. They depict such biblical scenes as the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. Inside is a celebrated choir screen; work on it began in the 16th century and lasted until 1714. The niches, 40 in all, contain statues illustrating scenes from the life of the Madonna and Christ: everything from the Massacre of the Innocents to the Coronation of the Virgin. The light from the stained glass covers an expanse of more than 2,500 sq. m. (9,000 sq. ft.), the glass is unlike anything else in the world. The stained glass, most of which dates from the 12th and 13th centuries, was spared in both world wars by painstakingly removing it piece by piece. It's difficult to single out one panel or window above the others, but an exceptional one is the 12th-century Vierge de la Belle Verrire (Our Lady of the Beautiful Window) on the south side. Of course, there are three fiery rose windows. The glass has gemlike richness, with the famous deep Chartres blue predominating. The oldest window is arguably the most beautiful: Notre-Dame de la Belle Verrire (Our Lady of the Lovely Window), in the south choir. The nave, the widest in France, still contains its ancient floor labyrinth, which formed a mobile channel of contemplation for monks. The wooden Notre-Dame du Piller (Virgin of the Pillar), to the left of the choir, dates from the 14th century. The crypt was built over 2 centuries, beginning in the 9th. Enshrined within is Our Lady of the Crypt, a 1976 Madonna that replaced one destroyed during the Revolution. Everywhere vivid color splashes on to the floor from the superb stained glass windows that glow like jewels. Dating from the early 13th century, the glass largely escaped harm during the religious wars of the 16th century; it is said to constitute one of the most complete collections of medieval stained glass in the world. Of the original 186 stained-glass windows, 152 have survived. A very notable window is the Blue Virgin Window (Notre Dame de la Belle Verrire), created in the early 1200s. (James, John, The Master Masons of Chartres) The Royal Portal: The west portal, known as the Royal Portal (Porte Royale), was carved in the 1140s. It has a revolutionary funnel shape that later became widspread. The sculptures and reliefs were modeled on those in the triple west portal at St. Denis, which were mostly destroyed at the Reformation. Decorating the recesses of the Royal Portal are very tall, thin

Coyote and Geronimo Accounts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Coyote and Geronimo Accounts - Essay Example Coyote caused the buffalo to result in a stampede and escaped via rear fence to his people’s advantage (Welker). Conversely, Geronimo was a peaceful Indian prior Mexican soldier invaded their camp while they had traveled to trade in the Old Mexico. They terminated their people were among them was his family and a mother beside looting. This brewed hatred that prompted him to take revenge against his adversaries, for almost a decade. Protagonists Coyote and Geronimo despite emanating from different accounts bear comparable traits that are evident in their unfolding events. Coyote and Geronimo depict determination that is evident in their actions. Coyote after summoning the people and brainstorming how they will attain the buffalo, he volunteers to undertake the mission but fails on the initial occasion. This did not demoralize him where he tried the second instance as a dog and succeeded in  accessing the homestead to chase the buffalo out. Similarly, Geronimo’s determination is evident when after finding that Mexican soldiers have terminated his family, he joined Apache and led his followers to avenge themselves on Mexicans (Native American Legends). Coyote and Geronimo, their heroic actions illustrate strong leadership skills. Coyote summoned his followers after fours days to brainstorm how to get the buffalo from Humpback. The followers lacked any idea, but he devised excellent tactics as a leader, which he contemplated would be successful and even choosing to undertake it. Likewise, Geronimo due to the hatred that resulted from having his family and people terminated, choose to spur hundreds of Apaches for revenge (Cantley 54). Coyote in his actions depicted trickery, contrary to his counterpart Geronimo in his mission.