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Gothic Grandeur

An architectural and historical journey through France's pioneering Gothic cathedral, exploring its construction, artistic treasures, and historical significance.

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What is Sens Cathedral?

A Pioneer of Gothic Style

Sens Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Saint Stephen of Sens (Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens), stands as a significant Roman Catholic cathedral in Sens, Burgundy, France. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Sens. Notably, it is recognized as the first cathedral to be constructed in the nascent Gothic architectural style, predating other major Gothic structures and influencing their design.

Location and Status

Situated in the historic city of Sens, France, the cathedral is an active place of worship and a designated national monument. Its geographic coordinates are 48°11′52″N 3°17′01″E.

Architectural Scale

The cathedral boasts impressive dimensions, with a total length of 113.5 meters. Its nave reaches a width of 27.5 meters, and the interior height is approximately 24.4 meters, making it a monumental structure for its time and a significant example of early Gothic scale.

A Chronicle of Ages

Early Significance

Sens held prominence during the late Roman Empire and became a vital ecclesiastical center during the Carolingian era. In 876 AD, Pope John VIII bestowed upon the Archbishop of Sens the prestigious title "Primate of the Gauls and Germans," signifying its considerable religious jurisdiction over numerous dioceses, including Paris.

The Dawn of Gothic (1130-1160)

Under Archbishop Henri Sanglier, construction of the new cathedral commenced between 1130 and 1135. This period marked a revolutionary step in architecture with the introduction of six-part rib vaults, distributing weight to alternating columns and piers. This innovation, also seen experimentally at Durham Cathedral and Saint Denis Basilica, was fully realized throughout Sens Cathedral's structure, influencing subsequent Gothic designs.

Royal and Ecclesiastical Encounters

Sens Cathedral became a focal point for significant historical figures. Pope Alexander III resided here for three years during a dispute with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Thomas Becket, the exiled Archbishop of Canterbury, also found refuge in Sens in 1164. Personal effects of Becket are preserved in the cathedral's treasury, and a window from 1200-1210 depicts his life.

Royal Wedding & Evolution

In 1234, the cathedral hosted the significant royal wedding of King Louis IX and Marguerite of Provence. Archbishop Gauthier Cornut initiated crucial modifications, including raising the choir walls to incorporate larger stained glass windows, a trend mirrored at Notre Dame de Paris. The cathedral also briefly housed the Crown of Thorns before its transfer to Paris.

Challenges and Transformations

The cathedral faced setbacks, including the collapse of its south tower in 1268, necessitating rebuilding. The 14th century saw the addition of chapels, while the 15th and 16th centuries brought the construction of the Flamboyant-style transepts and a new Renaissance-style campanile atop the south tower, reaching a height of 78.25 meters.

Revolution and Resilience

The French Revolution profoundly impacted Sens Cathedral. Sculptures on the west portal were damaged, and many bells were melted down. The cathedral was renamed the Temple of the Supreme Being before being returned to Catholic use in 1800. Despite these trials, it endured as a significant religious site.

Restoration and Artistic Influence

The 19th century brought extensive restoration efforts, notably involving Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who aimed to return the structure to its 13th-century plan. The cathedral's interior, including its art and architecture, inspired artists like Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. The 18th century saw significant interior modifications, including the grand baldaquin and choir grill.

Modern Era

In the 20th century, the separation of church and state led to the cathedral becoming state property, with the Archbishop's palace repurposed as the Museum of Sens. Despite minor damage during World War II, the cathedral continues to stand as a testament to centuries of history and architectural evolution, celebrating its 850th anniversary of consecration in 2014.

Architectural Marvels

Gothic Innovations

Sens Cathedral is celebrated for its pioneering use of Gothic architectural elements. The nave and choir feature revolutionary six-part rib vaults, distributing weight effectively. The exterior was enhanced by flying buttresses, enabling the clerestory walls to accommodate larger stained glass windows, a hallmark of the Gothic style.

Towers and Campanile

The south tower, completed around 1230, tragically collapsed in 1268 but was rebuilt and crowned in 1537 with a Renaissance-style campanile, reaching a height of 78.25 meters. The north tower's original octagonal bell tower, covered in lead, was removed during 19th-century restorations.

West Portals

The west facade features three portals, showcasing some of the cathedral's earliest sculpture. The oldest, the Portal of John the Baptist (1190-1200), exemplifies Early Gothic style with its detailed tympanum depicting the saint's life. The central portal, dedicated to Saint Stephen, features sculptures of biblical scenes, animals, and personifications of the medieval arts and sciences.

Flamboyant Transepts

Constructed between 1490 and 1518 by Martin Chambiges, the transepts embody the exuberant Flamboyant Gothic style. The south transept's portal, known as the Portal of Moses, and its rose window are notable examples, featuring intricate tracery and pinnacle-like towers adorned with royal emblems.

Stained Glass Heritage

Sens Cathedral houses a remarkable collection of stained glass spanning from the Early Gothic to the Renaissance periods. The earliest works, from the early 13th century, are found in the choir's upper windows and apse, including the renowned Thomas Becket window. The 16th-century rose windows in the transept showcase late Flamboyant Gothic artistry, with Renaissance influences evident in their realism.

Sculptural Masterpieces

The cathedral's sculpture includes the serene Virgin and Child (14th century) and a significant 12th-century sculpture of Thomas Becket. The west portals feature narrative reliefs and allegorical figures. The Chapel of the Salazars contains an altar with a retable illustrating local religious history, executed in the Flamboyant Gothic style.

Baldaquin and Choir Grill

In the 18th century, a grand baldaquin, designed by Jean Nicolas Servandoni and featuring marble columns from a former royal monument, was erected over the main altar. This Baroque addition, with its gilded canopy and celestial motifs, aimed to enhance the liturgical focus. The choir is separated by an ornate wrought-iron grill, also from the 18th century.

The Cathedral Organ

The cathedral's organ tradition dates back to the medieval period. The current instrument, largely from the 18th century, underwent significant restoration in the 19th and 20th centuries. With nearly 3,000 pipes, it continues to be a vital part of the cathedral's musical life, complemented by a smaller choir organ installed in 1841.

Artistic Treasures

Stained Glass Narratives

The cathedral's stained glass windows are exceptional. The early 13th-century windows in the choir and apse, including the Thomas Becket window, are masterpieces of narrative art. The transept rose windows, from the 16th century, display the intricate stonework of the Flamboyant Gothic style, transitioning towards Renaissance aesthetics.

Sculptural Detail

Beyond the portals, notable sculptures include the 14th-century Virgin and Child and the 12th-century depiction of Thomas Becket. The Chapel of the Salazars houses a significant retable from 1514, showcasing intricate Flamboyant Gothic carving and religious scenes.

The Treasury Collection

Housed within the Archbishop's Palace, the cathedral treasury contains a rich collection of liturgical objects, including crosses, reliquaries, chalices, and rings. Particularly noteworthy is a reliquary purportedly made for Charlemagne. The treasury also preserves the vestments, hat, and shoes worn by Saint Thomas Becket during his time in Sens.

Gallo-Roman Heritage

The Museum of Sens, located in the former Archbishop's Palace, features a significant collection of Gallo-Roman antiquities. A highlight is the reconstructed Roman thermal bath with an impressive mosaic floor, depicting the legend of Phaeton and the chariot of the sun.

Diverse Museum Holdings

The museum's collection extends to later periods, including a painting by Pieter Brueghel the Younger, a sculpture by Auguste Rodin ("The Age of Bronze"), and Art Deco furniture crafted for the ocean liner SS Normandie.

Treasury & Museum

Archbishop's Palace

The adjacent Archbishop's Palace, dating from the 13th century with later additions, now serves as the repository for the cathedral's treasury and the city's historical museum. Restored in the 19th century, it provides a comprehensive view of Sens's rich past.

Sacred Relics and Vestments

The treasury showcases sacred artifacts essential for religious ceremonies, such as ornate reliquaries, chalices, and vestments. The collection includes items associated with Saint Thomas Becket, offering a tangible link to his historical presence in Sens.

Roman Mosaics

A significant Gallo-Roman mosaic, discovered beneath the palace gardens, has been meticulously reassembled within the museum. This expansive artwork, measuring eleven by nine meters, vividly illustrates classical mythology.

Artistic Cross-Section

The museum's diverse holdings span various artistic periods, featuring works from Flemish masters like Pieter Brueghel the Younger, renowned sculptors such as Auguste Rodin, and exquisite Art Deco furnishings that once graced the liner SS Normandie.

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References

References

  1.  Mignon, Oivier, Architecture du Patrimoine Française (2017), Éditions Ouest-France, p. 108
  2.  Mignon, Oivier, Architecture du Patrimoine Française (2017), Éditions Ouest-France, p. 108
A full list of references for this article are available at the Sens Cathedral Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

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