Documentary Response 3

Saint Denis was absolutely incredible.  To have the opportunity to walk around in a cathedral that was built in the 12th century is something that I will never forget.  In America, there is nothing like this; I feel like I truly experienced a huge piece of history.

This is an example of a groin vault at Saint Denis.  A groin vault is two barrel vaults intersected at one point; the purpose is to push the weight to the outer structure.  This concept was very prominent in Gothic cathedrals because the weight was shifted from the center to the outer corners of the groin vault, which allowed for a more opened bay in cathedrals.  

This style of architecture differed from previous cathedrals and buildings because groin vaults were sturdier, less expensive to build, and created more open spaces (bays) when compared to barrel vaults that were previously used. 

This is an example of ribs at Saint Denis.  Ribs are used when a pointed arch and vault arc up to a point, similar to a groin vault; the ribs provide stability for the structure of the cathedral.  Because the groin vault was prominent in Gothic architecture, ribs were also an important component of the Gothic style.  They primarily serve the same purpose as a groin vault: to create a more open bay in the main area of the cathedral. 

This is the organ at Saint Denis.  The groin vault is also visible in this picture. 

Rose Window, Saint Denis, Abbot Suger, 1140

Memorial Statues of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, Edme Gaulle and Pierre Petitot (commissioned by Louis XVIII), 1830, Marble 

These stained glass windows at Saint Denis represent the restoration of the 12th century cathedral.  Although restoration can be controversial, I truly believe that it is the intention to maintain the integrity of the Gothic style cathedral.