Architecture is a visual work of art that has managed to universally shelter and appeal to humans for thousands of years. Much of the architecture from the ancient past still stands today, maintaining timeless splendor, withstanding thousands of years of human and natural threats. Two of the most appealing ancient works of architecture are St. Mark’s Basilica (beginning in 1063 ACE) and the Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Chartres (a dedicated cathedral in 1260 ACE). Although St. Mark’s Basilica and the Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Chartres is quite different, having completely dissimilar styles of architecture and coming from different ages, they also show historical similarities.
Although both establishments were built in different countries, they were both constructed in Europe. St. Mark’s Basilica was developed during the Second Golden Age of Byzantine. Its fascinating silhouette reveals five domes covered with wood and copper, proportioned by the Greek cross technique, where all four arms are of equal length; one dome stands in the middle. It contains five large portals separated by marble columns. In contrast, the Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Chartres was designed during the Gothic Era. The cathedral consists of two dissimilar High Gothic towers, a rose window, and three separate entrances. Typical characterizations of Gothic Architecture which are included in this cathedral are pointed arches and vaults, ribs, and flying buttresses.
Consequently both churches do not currently exist in their original forms; they have been modified throughout history for various reasons. Unfortunately, most of the ancient churches were vulnerable to fires because of revolts and because they relied heavily on candles for light. St. Mark’s Basilica was burned by rebels at one time; however, it was promptly reconstructed. Similarly, the Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Chartres faced constant destruction caused by fires. A crypt known as “Fulbert’s,” currently the largest crypt in France, along with the Royal Portals and windows survived a horrific fire in 1194. The cathedral was reconstructed out of rough limestone; most of the vaults and main structure were complete by 1220. This is much of the reason why the opposing façade towers of the Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Chartres were formed during different popular style periods. “The south spire is 344 feet high, built at the same time as the rest of the upper façade. But the north steeple of the early sixteenth century, built in a much more Flamboyant Gothic style, rises 377 feet” (Benton, 274). It is the first High Gothic cathedral to be designed with flying buttresses, utilizing them throughout the entire church.
Similarly, both establishments were built with sacred intentions. St. Mark’s Basilica contains religious scripture and mosaics, revealing visual biblical stories on the walls and in the domes. The exterior contains statues and paintings of religious figures, such as angels and Jesus. One characteristic of Byzantine style that St. Mark’s Basilica contains is the Madonna and Child Enthroned. This particular style is a “late-thirteenth-century egg tempera painting on a wooden panel…Mary’s typically Byzantine face has a somewhat wistful or melancholy expression. She is gentle and graceful, her bodily proportions elongated. Jesus’s proportions are those of a tiny adult” (Benton, 148-49).
In comparison, the Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Chartres represents Christian theology by symbolizing the Holy Trinity through the usage of threes (three entrances, three arched windows, three-story nave). It was built on the highest possible site where it is closest to heaven and can be viewed from miles away. The cathedral is believed to contain a piece of fabric that Mary was wearing during the birth of Jesus; the fabric is said to have survived the fires. The exterior of the cathedral contains religious sculptures, crosses, and gargoyles.
St. Mark’s Basilica and the Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Chartres both rely on windows for clerestory illumination. St. Mark’s Basilica is irradiated by the bases of the domes; therefore, most of the space is dark. The arched windows are small in proportion to the massive design of the structure, revealing a consistency in the size of neighboring windows. In difference, the Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Chartres is illuminated with “large clerestory windows [that] allow light to enter directly into the nave, the deep colors of stained glass creating an atmosphere of multicolored light” (Benton, 275).
Ancient architecture has ignited many of the wonders in the world, managing to please the eye, provide shelter, and express religious beliefs. Although St. Mark’s Basilica and the Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Chartres is just a few examples of captivating architecture; both churches are ancient and unique, representing the cultural history of artistic styles, religion, and expression. Both churches are quite different, having completely dissimilar styles of architecture and come from different ages; however, after looking at these two works of art through an artistic lens, they also show historical similarities.
Works Cited
Benton, Janetta Rebold, and Robert DiYanni. Arts and Culture: An Introduction to the Humanities. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2008.