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Chartres
and the Birth of the Cathedral Titus
Burckhardt; Translated by William Stoddart
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Chartres
and the Birth of the Cathedral Titus
Burckhardt; Translated by William Stoddart
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In the author's own words, "The purpose of the present work
is to evoke as authentically as possible the spiritual climate in
which the Gothic cathedral was born, and to do so by allowing
contemporary witnesses to speak for themselves . . . to show how
the Gothic cathedral was the final fruit to open on the tree of
ancient tradition."
Chartres cathedral is perhaps the most beautiful and significant
Christian artifact. Throughout the 800 years of its existence it
has testified to many miracles and has lost none of its power to
inspire wonder, reverence, and inspirational knowledge in those
who encounter it beyond a superficial acquaintance.
Others have commented on the spiritual implications of the
Romanesque and Gothic styles and Burckhardt usefully summarizes
and elucidates their interpretation. But he further commands our
respect by his rare ability to comment convincingly and
enlighteningly on the differences of 'spiritual content' of
pre-Romanesque, Romanesque, and Gothic architectural styles.
The author's description of the didactic themes incorporated in
the great doorways and rose windows of Chartres covers virtually
the whole of the Christian story, and amounts to a comprehensive
theological and metaphysical presentation of Christian doctrine.
This unique and valuable achievement opens a window onto the 'age
of faith,' making it clear and intelligible to the modern reader.
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