Paris Rayonnante Gothic Saint-Chapelle

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Rayonnante French Gothic - Sainte-Chapelle

The Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic Chapel in the courtyard of the royal palace on the Île de la Cite Paris, France. It is a perfect example of the Rayonnante French Gothic architecture in13th-century.

The Chapel was built from 1242 - 1248.
There is a legend about an anonymous architect, which is controversial, untrue about some, credible about others. We don't now the name of the architect (sometime is attributed to Peter of Montereau but his name is not specified on archives), and I don't think that this is an appropriate place to tell you legends.

Personally I think that 50% of the legend is true, and, by the way, I love the Middle Age legends with their mysteries, convoluted complications, strong egos.
If one of my readers is curious, let me know dropping a comment and I'll publish the mysterious legend as well.

The Sainte-Chapelle is a famous Chapel; it occupies a very special place among the monuments of Paris because of:
  • The magic of its unique stained glass windows
  • The prestige of King Louis IX, called St. Louis. He was a King who wanted to confirm his preeminence, a very active saint with a fait that was luminous and tranquil, a man who appreciated life, family affection and the loyalty of friends
  • The holiness of the relics for which chapel was build

Sainte Chapelle

The Saint Chapelle's Details and Specifics 

The stained glasses are the most visually beautiful aspects of the chapel, and considered the best of their type in the world.
The Saint Chapelle's windows are called - a Bible in color and light.
You look at: "The Angel of the Abyss, holding a golden scepter in his hand", and "The adoration of the Beast".

stained glass 1 stained glass 2


The rose window in the west gable end with Flamboyant Gothic ribs was built in the late 15th century, during the reign of Charles VIII, his monogram is included in one of the windows. It is a unique stonework on this rose window, I don't have a better picture from a different angle, it really is impressive work.

stonework


The painting was done on 19th century restoration, my personal opinion, the painting diminish the value and beauty of decorations. (It is exactly like the difference between black-and-white photos and color photos. My opinion, the black-and-white photos are more dramatic.)

capitals


This is a capital with a decoration of foliage.

French Revolution marks on the Chapel 

I already commented the desecration during French Revolution on Notre Dame in this lens and on Conciergerie on previous lens Paris Gothic I

As a symbol of royalty, Saint Chapelle suffered damage on a scale far worse then other churches during the Revolution:
  • All the furnishings, the choir stalls, and the rood screens were removed
  • The organ was taken to Saint Germain
  • All the royal insignia were destroyed
  • The steeple was taken down
  • The reliquaries were sent to the Mint, and dispersed
  • Even the building itself suffered badly
  • The upper chapel was first turned into a club room then, from 1803 onwards, into the legal archives department and the stained glass windows were removed up to a height of 6 1/2 ft. to allow for the installation of shelves.
  • Some windows were sold off in England

capitals


Note. In this chaos, Lenoir managed to save most of the statues which were taken to the Museum of French Monuments.

In 1836 architect Lassus presented a project for the restoration, his work attracted considerable attention, but it took 10 years for a government commission to give the approval for restoration, to give the Saint-Chapelle back to all its original splendor. The work was not finished until 1867.

The Franch Revolution - on Amazon Books 

The French Revolution had a great impact in all life aspects, including: arts, architecture, social life. You already read about the impact on Conciergerie, Cathedral Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. the following books can give you deep knowledge to this matter.

The French Revolution (1789-1799) was a period of 10 years of political and social upheaval that trigger radical changes in the history of France:
  • Abolished monarchy and the feudal privileges for the aristocracy
  • Produced a violent turmoil which included the trial and execution of the king
  • Bloodshed and repression during the period called "Reign of Terror"
  • Started a long process under which modern France took shape.



The Days of the French Revolution


The French Revolution:
A Very Short Introduction
(Very Short Introductions)


Citizens:
A Chronicle of the French Revolution


A Concise History of the French Revolution

Video Staint Chapelle 

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Video - Music Played on Saint Chapelle 

This is absolutely great, you can hear Music by J. S. Bach played on Saint Chapelle and admire the Chapel in the same time. You will hear the beautiful sound of Saint Chapelle's Organ.
Enjoy
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Blogs French Gothic Architecture - Sainte-Chapelle 

A captivating feast of colour and light: La Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle or Holy Chapel in located on the Ile de la Cité, in what is the heart of Paris, offers a visual feast of colour and light with its 15 magnificent windows of stained glass erected in a famework of stone, which depicts ...
Stained glass in Sainte Chapelle
Paris, France 2004 Aug.
Bean Queen and SuperBoy: Trip Report #4 - Paris! The Big Sights....
The next day we spent time on the Ile de la Cite, where both the Sainte-Chapelle Gothic chapel and the famous Notre Dame cathedral are located. First to the gorgeous Sainte-Chapelle: Wouldn't you look like that too if you were admiring ...
Digital ProTalk: "The Beauty Of Sainte-Chapelle"
La Sainte-Chapelle in Paris is one of the most beautiful church interiors I have ever seen. Point the camera anywhere, and it seems you capture a stunningly beautiful image. The color contrasts, the soaring architecture, the rich detail ...
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May I have a Suggestion? 

ST. DenisIf you happened to go to Paris France, the 3 Gothic masterpieces are "must to see", but I also suggest a visit to the abbey church of Saint Denis just a few miles from Paris. You can use public transportation from Paris. I don't remember if I used a train or a metro (subway), but definitely I used Public Transportation to go to Saint Denis.

The abbey Saint Denis is where the kings of France and their families were buried for centuries, a grandiose museum of sculptures, a symbol of France.
The abbey church contains tombs with the effigies of many of the kings and queens on top of their tombs, they are beautiful sculptures.

During the French Revolution, these tombs were opened by workers under strict orders from revolutionary officials. The bodies were removed and dumped in two large pits nearby.
Archaeologist Alexandre Lenoir saved many of the monuments by claiming them as artworks for his Museum of French Monuments.
He did the same with the sculptures from Sainte-Chapelle

I let you now in the company of a couple of pictures from Saint Denis:

Notre Dame Mass



Notre Dame Mass



Notre Dame Mass



Notre Dame Mass

My other Gothic Architecture Lenses 

I have other lenses about Gothic Architecture, and I want to shear with you because they are related.
The Paris-Gothic set covers 3 major Gothic Periods: Early, High, and Rayonnant Gothic.
I have one lens for each period.
i also have a lens about Washington National Cathedral.
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