DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.25500#0254
FRENCH GOTHIC.
167
Notre Dame, Paris, 1163-1214 (No. 93), the oldest
of French Gothic cathedrals. Notice the numerous points
of support, and the sexpartite vaulting (No. 85 d) of the
central nave; the small projection of transepts, these being
practically in a line with the side aisles ; the chevet arrange-
ment, with its double aisles, and exterior chapels carried
round. The west front (No. 93) is the grandest composi-
tion in France, if not of the whole style. The western gable
to the nave is hidden by a pierced screen, connecting the
two western towers. The three deeply recessed western
portals, the band of statues in niches, and the circular wheel
window are all characteristic features.
Amiens Cathedral, 1220-1257 (No. 95).—In plan the
typical French cathedral is referred to in the Comparative
Table.
Coutances Cathedral (No. 96).—Erected in the early
part of the thirteenth century. Specially famous for the two
western towers and spires, and the octagonal lantern over
the crossing of nave and transept.
Bourges Cathedral is chiefly remarkable as possessing
no transepts, and for its shortness in comparison with its
width. It has five aisles in three different heights (No. 99),
in this respect resembling Milan Cathedral (No. 98), though
in a different gradation. The absence of transepts with an
apsidal termination, and the great height, gives to the cathe-
dral the appearance of a great hulk. The view westwards
from the east end is striking, owing to the picturesque
confusion of innumerable flying buttresses, pinnacles, and
other features.
DOMESTIC WORK.
Many fine examples remain throughout France.
Ex.: Houses at Caudebec.
The House of Jacques Cceur, Bourges.
This splendid example of the house of a great merchant
prince of the period is well known. There is a courtyard in
the centre of the building, the entrance being under a low
tower. Arcades give on to the court, which is also marked by
a fine staircase turret. A vaulted chapel on the first floor
167
Notre Dame, Paris, 1163-1214 (No. 93), the oldest
of French Gothic cathedrals. Notice the numerous points
of support, and the sexpartite vaulting (No. 85 d) of the
central nave; the small projection of transepts, these being
practically in a line with the side aisles ; the chevet arrange-
ment, with its double aisles, and exterior chapels carried
round. The west front (No. 93) is the grandest composi-
tion in France, if not of the whole style. The western gable
to the nave is hidden by a pierced screen, connecting the
two western towers. The three deeply recessed western
portals, the band of statues in niches, and the circular wheel
window are all characteristic features.
Amiens Cathedral, 1220-1257 (No. 95).—In plan the
typical French cathedral is referred to in the Comparative
Table.
Coutances Cathedral (No. 96).—Erected in the early
part of the thirteenth century. Specially famous for the two
western towers and spires, and the octagonal lantern over
the crossing of nave and transept.
Bourges Cathedral is chiefly remarkable as possessing
no transepts, and for its shortness in comparison with its
width. It has five aisles in three different heights (No. 99),
in this respect resembling Milan Cathedral (No. 98), though
in a different gradation. The absence of transepts with an
apsidal termination, and the great height, gives to the cathe-
dral the appearance of a great hulk. The view westwards
from the east end is striking, owing to the picturesque
confusion of innumerable flying buttresses, pinnacles, and
other features.
DOMESTIC WORK.
Many fine examples remain throughout France.
Ex.: Houses at Caudebec.
The House of Jacques Cceur, Bourges.
This splendid example of the house of a great merchant
prince of the period is well known. There is a courtyard in
the centre of the building, the entrance being under a low
tower. Arcades give on to the court, which is also marked by
a fine staircase turret. A vaulted chapel on the first floor