According to source one, “It [Cologne Cathedral] is considered to be the monument of Christian belief, Gothic architecture and the intense faith of the people of Cologne. Aside from its intrinsic value and unique artistic designs, the Cologne cathedral is a testimony of the enduring perseverance of European Christianity.”
As we take a look at the exterior one will notice the beautiful harmony and balance between the contextual and hierarchical elements of design; which are directed towards the idea of “bringing heaven to earth.” Imagine walking around the Cathedral, on both the sides and back of the church one will find vertically rising structures accompanied with flying buttresses. Because Gothic churches were built with heavy masonry ceilings and vaults spread over a wide span they needed extra exterior support. The flying buttresses are not just there to add esthetic values but more importantly to reinforce the outward thrusting force on the Cathedral ceiling and walls. As we advance towards the façade we notice that it is made up of two vertically stretching towers and breathe taking graphic stain glass windows. The towers vertical shape is viewed as pointing or directing towards the heavens, almost as if to say that the church is the only transporter to heaven.
Now, as we move forward toward the interior of this building we notice stories from the Bible being portrayed on the floor, walls and windows of the cathedral. It has been suggested that society was more visually read then then they are now. Meaning that because the majority of society was unable to read literature the church had to find a different method in getting the stories across. The Church did so through their elaborate mosaics and stain glass windows. Moreover, and perhaps less literal is that the sheer grander of the sanctuary and its different moments of light streams that peer in through the stain glass windows allows the viewer to be over come with the power and grace of God.
It is no wonder why society as a whole was extremely influenced by Christianity. Without the use of today’s machinery and still being able to create structures that portrayed key elements of commodity, firmness, and delight all why telling the story of Jesus the Christ it would be hard for one uneducated individual not to believe in the deity.
Citation:
1 http://www.germany.com/places-to-see/cologne-cathedral.php
2.http://viewer.arounder.com/koeln/arounder_specials/koeln_dom/cologne_cathedral_west_facade.html
3.http://www.uncg.edu/~pllucas/Gothic%20Cathedrals/website%2003.31.08/compare4.html
1 comment:
It seems weird that the "enduring perseverance of European Christianity" required a lay-off in building of several hundred years, the French revolutionary army, and the usage of Cologne Cathedral as a warehouse, to kick-start re-building!
As you so rightly mention, it is, however, a wonderful building, with a fabulous interior, but you fail to mention the eighty four misericords which are a fine example of early 14th century carving.
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