TOPICS: THE GOTHIC CATHEDRAL in Fall 2021 (AH3091)

The Gothic style originated in the Ile-de-France: within Paris itself and in less than 2 hours by train, one can see some of the finest examples of Gothic Cathedrals. This course will trace the evolution of the Gothic style from its Romanesque precedents through to its most ornate Flamboyant phase. While the course will focus primarily on France, we will also trace the variations of the Gothic style elsewhere in Europe, notably in Germany and England, and throughout the world, since the style spread globally especially in the 19th century. Beyond architectural innovations, such as the flying buttress and the rose window, this course will consider Gothic Cathedrals as total works of art. We will study the monumental sculpture, stained glass windows, altarpieces, misericords, and choir screens that adorned them. We will also consider how non-Christians are depicted in these artistic ensembles, and how this often-negative imagery can lead to exclusion. As complex, large-scale artistic creations, Gothic Cathedrals also required enormous amounts of participation from their communities, and their long periods of construction often entailed resistance or controversy. Thus, we will study the Cathedrals not only in their religious and artistic, but also in their social, economic, political, and cultural contexts. Students will be encouraged to visit as many Cathedrals in-person as possible.