Chartres cathedral
Art assignment 3
[Name Removed]
The cathedral was the most important and influential building in the town of
Chartres, built in 1145, this monumental designed cathedral that has a rich
and dismal history has played host to a lot of activities and ceremonies. The cathedral at some point in history was burnt down and rebuilt in 1194, this 130 meter long cathedral has been a popular place for pilgrimage for people around the world, and from this it contains the blessed tunic of the virgin Mary. Chartres Cathedral is one of the finest examples of the French-Gothic style of cathedral, containing two spires, five chapels, an ancient labyrinth and between 150 and 170 stain glass windows and works dating back to the early 13 th century which in fact survived from attacks and raids of the town during the French revolution.
The western rose window Dates back to the early 13th century, the west rose depicts the
Last Judgment. This rose window is situated at the entrance of the cathedral and in the center of the window Christ sits in judgment displaying his five wounds. The Four
Evangelists and angels surround him. The circular pieces positioned around the centre have a significant reference towards the catholic faith. The Virgin Mary is closely linked to colour blue, as you can see in these stain glass artworks the colour blue is used constantly throughout the detail, which resembles hope and heaven, but if you can look past the blue you can see the colour red in small doses produced in some of the area's resembling demise and hell.
The north transept approximately 10.5 meters in diameter this rose was made 1235, like much of the sculpture in the north porch beneath it, is dedicated to the Virgin. Royal motifs of yellow castles on a red background and yellow fleurs-de-iris (three petaled

iris) speak to the royal patronage. These motifs can be seen in the lower corners of this picture.
Yet these motifs also led to the importance of Christ's heritage, just as the rest of the window does.
In the middle lancet contains an image of Saint Anne holding the baby Virgin.
While the images on either side are of Saint Anne is four of Christ’s Old
Testament ancestors, Melchizedek, David, Solomon, and Aaron.
The south transept rose 10.5m diameter, made
1225–30 is dedicated to Christ, who is shown in the central oculus, right hand raised in benediction, surrounded by adoring angels. This
Window was a donation from a noble French family, who have their image in the window arms crossed at the base of the five lancet windows below the rose window. This window much like the other rose windows is a reference to Christ’s significance and his devotion to humanity; this window is filled with detailed patterns and symbols with important figures of the church.
The purpose to having the labyrinth prior entrance into viewing the interior of the cathedral is to develope excitement and anticipation. The labyrinth is meant to be walked with your head bowed in respect of the presence of Christ until in the centre, the labyrinth also takes the viewers mind of the detailed and slightly stain glass artworks of the cathedral, so that when viewing the cathedral they are filled with awe.