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The French designation for Sens Cathedral is Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens; it functions as the metropolitan see for the Archbishopric of Lyon.
Answer: False
The assertion is factually inaccurate. While its French name is indeed Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens, it serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Sens, not Lyon.
Sens Cathedral is considered the inaugural cathedral constructed entirely in the Romanesque architectural style.
Answer: False
This statement is incorrect. Sens Cathedral is recognized as the first major edifice constructed in the Gothic architectural style, not Romanesque.
The town of Sens constituted a minor settlement during the Roman Empire, primarily functioning as a religious center during the Carolingian era.
Answer: False
Historical records indicate that Sens was a significant and prosperous town during the late Roman Empire, strategically located at the confluence of rivers and major Roman roads, and evolved into a major ecclesiastical center in the Carolingian era.
Prior to the construction of the current Gothic cathedral, Sens possessed a singular, large Romanesque church which was subsequently destroyed by fire in the late 10th century.
Answer: False
Medieval records indicate that prior to the Gothic cathedral, there existed a complex of three structures (a baptistry and two churches), not a single Romanesque church. This complex was destroyed by fire and later replaced.
Henri Sanglier, who assumed the role of Archbishop of Sens in 1122, initiated the construction of the new Gothic cathedral, superseding an older, smaller edifice.
Answer: True
Archbishop Henri Sanglier, recognizing the town's prosperity, commenced the ambitious project to build a larger and more magnificent Gothic cathedral.
The six-part rib vaults employed in Sens Cathedral's nave and choir constituted a conventional design that efficiently distributed structural load to continuous walls.
Answer: False
The six-part rib vaults were innovative for their time, distributing weight to alternating piers and columns, not continuous walls, which was a departure from conventional Romanesque construction.
The construction of Sens Cathedral integrated flying buttresses exclusively for the support of the triforium level.
Answer: False
Flying buttresses were employed to support the upper walls and clerestory, enabling larger window openings, rather than solely supporting the triforium.
The 12th-century cathedral measured approximately 113.5 meters in length, rendering it smaller in scale than contemporary churches such as Saint Denis Basilica.
Answer: False
The 113.5-meter length of the 12th-century cathedral actually surpassed the dimensions of many contemporary churches, including Saint Denis Basilica.
The choir of the Abbey church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres in Paris was completed prior to the architectural innovations observed in Sens Cathedral's choir.
Answer: False
The architectural innovations pioneered in Sens Cathedral's choir influenced subsequent constructions, including the choir of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, which was completed around the same time or shortly after.
What is the French appellation for Sens Cathedral, and what is its geographical location?
Answer: Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens, Burgundy
The cathedral is officially known in French as Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Sens and is situated in the Burgundy region of France.
What is the principal architectural significance attributed to Sens Cathedral within the provided text?
Answer: It is the first cathedral constructed in the Gothic architectural style.
Sens Cathedral holds the distinction of being the first major cathedral built in the Gothic architectural style, marking a pivotal moment in architectural history.
Who initiated the project for the construction of the larger, more magnificent Gothic cathedral during the 12th century?
Answer: Archbishop Henri Sanglier
Archbishop Henri Sanglier, upon assuming his post in 1122, initiated the ambitious undertaking to construct the new Gothic cathedral.
What revolutionary aspects characterized the vaulting system implemented in Sens Cathedral's nave and choir?
Answer: It employed square six-part rib vaults distributing weight to alternating supports.
The implementation of square six-part rib vaults, which efficiently distributed weight to alternating supports, was a groundbreaking innovation for its time in ecclesiastical architecture.
In 876 AD, the Archbishop of Sens was conferred the title Primate of the Gauls and Germans by Pope John VIII, thereby establishing his precedence over several dioceses.
Answer: True
Pope John VIII granted this significant ecclesiastical title to the Archbishop of Sens in 876 AD, signifying considerable jurisdictional authority over numerous dioceses.
The title of Primate of the Gauls and Germans, formerly held by the Archbishop of Sens, was permanently transferred to the Archbishop of Paris during the 11th century.
Answer: False
While the jurisdiction associated with the title shifted, the title itself was transferred to the Archbishop of Lyon, not Paris, and the Archbishop of Sens retains the honorific title.
Bernard of Clairvaux advised Archbishop Henri Sanglier to embrace an extravagant lifestyle to accentuate the cathedral's magnificence.
Answer: False
Bernard of Clairvaux, in his correspondence, urged Archbishop Sanglier towards a more austere lifestyle, not an extravagant one, potentially to focus resources on the cathedral's construction.
Pope Alexander III resided at Sens Cathedral for a duration of three years, commencing in September 1163, seeking refuge from Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
Answer: True
During a period of conflict with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, Pope Alexander III took refuge in Sens Cathedral from September 1163 for approximately three years.
Thomas Becket resided in Sens from 1164 until his demise in 1170, and his personal effects are preserved within the cathedral's treasury.
Answer: True
Following his exile, Thomas Becket lived in Sens from 1164 until his death in 1170. Certain personal items, including vestments, are indeed preserved in the cathedral's treasury.
The reputed Crown of Thorns relic was permanently enshrined within Sens Cathedral subsequent to its acquisition by King Louis IX.
Answer: False
While King Louis IX did purchase the relic and it was ceremonially presented in Sens, it was subsequently transported to Paris for enshrinement in the Sainte-Chapelle, not permanently kept in Sens.
What title was conferred upon the Archbishop of Sens in 876 AD, signifying substantial ecclesiastical authority?
Answer: Primate of the Gauls and Germans
In 876 AD, Pope John VIII granted the Archbishop of Sens the title of Primate of the Gauls and Germans, elevating his jurisdictional standing.
Which Pope sought refuge within Sens Cathedral for a period of three years, commencing in September 1163?
Answer: Pope Alexander III
Pope Alexander III resided in Sens Cathedral for approximately three years, beginning in September 1163, during his conflict with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
What significant religious relic was temporarily housed within Sens Cathedral during the 13th century prior to its transfer to Paris?
Answer: The reputed Crown of Thorns
The reputed Crown of Thorns, acquired by King Louis IX, was briefly housed in Sens Cathedral in the 13th century before its relocation to Paris.
Archbishop Cornut implemented modifications to the cathedral in the 13th century with the primary objective of reducing the illumination within the choir.
Answer: False
Archbishop Cornut's modifications in the 13th century aimed to increase, not decrease, the light in the choir by raising the walls and installing larger stained glass windows.
The Chapel of Saint Savinien underwent renovation in the 14th century, incorporating the High Gothic style and an eight-ribbed vault.
Answer: True
The 14th-century renovation of the Chapel of Saint Savinien introduced High Gothic elements, including an eight-ribbed vault.
Martin Chambiges, a master mason, designed the original Romanesque foundations of the cathedral's transepts.
Answer: False
Martin Chambiges designed the Flamboyant Gothic transepts in the late 15th and early 16th centuries; he did not design the original Romanesque foundations.
The construction of the Flamboyant transepts received its primary funding from donations originating from the King of France.
Answer: False
Funding for the Flamboyant transepts came from a broad fundraising campaign, including relics and sermons, with only modest contributions from the King.
The Savinienne bell, cast in 1560, weighs 10,000 kilograms, whereas the Potentienne weighs 15,600 kilograms.
Answer: False
The weights are reversed: the Savinienne bell weighs 15,600 kilograms, and the Potentienne weighs 10,000 kilograms.
The Portal of Moses, situated on the west facade, represents the oldest portal, dating from the Early Gothic period.
Answer: False
The oldest portal on the west facade is the Portal of John the Baptist (c. 1190-1200), not the Portal of Moses, which is on the south transept.
The lower sections, or soubassements, of the central portal's sculpture illustrate the seven liberal arts and sciences, which were central to medieval education.
Answer: True
The soubassements of the central portal indeed depict the seven liberal arts and sciences, fundamental components of medieval scholasticism.
What modifications did Archbishop Cornut implement in the 13th century concerning the cathedral's choir?
Answer: He raised the upper walls and installed larger stained glass windows to increase light.
Archbishop Cornut's modifications involved raising the upper walls of the choir and installing larger stained glass windows to enhance illumination, a process mirrored in Notre Dame de Paris.
Who designed the exuberant Flamboyant Gothic transepts of Sens Cathedral, constructed between 1490 and 1518?
Answer: Martin Chambiges
The master mason Martin Chambiges is credited with the design of the Flamboyant Gothic transepts of Sens Cathedral, built between 1490 and 1518.
What is the approximate weight of the Savinienne bell, recognized as one of the largest bourdons in France?
Answer: 15,600 kilograms
The Savinienne bell, cast in 1560, is one of the largest bourdons in France, weighing approximately 15,600 kilograms.
Beyond biblical narratives, what secular themes are represented in the sculpture of the central portal's lower sections (soubassements)?
Answer: The seven liberal arts and sciences
The soubassements of the central portal's sculpture depict the seven liberal arts and sciences, which formed the foundation of medieval education.
In which architectural style was the transept of Sens Cathedral constructed?
Answer: Flamboyant Gothic
The transept of Sens Cathedral, constructed in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, is a prime example of the Flamboyant Gothic architectural style.
What stylistic influence is discernible in the 16th-century rose windows of the transept, coexisting with the late Flamboyant Gothic style?
Answer: Renaissance
The 16th-century rose windows in the transept exhibit stylistic influences of the Renaissance, evident in their increasing realism and three-dimensional elements, alongside the prevailing Flamboyant Gothic framework.
What was the primary purpose of the grand baldaquin installed above the main altar in 1740?
Answer: To emphasize Catholic doctrine against Protestant austerity by drawing eyes upward.
The baldaquin, installed in 1740 as part of the Counter-Reformation, was designed to direct congregational focus towards the altar, reinforcing Catholic doctrine against Protestant austerity.
What replaced the original stone choir screen during the 1760s?
Answer: An ornate screen with gilding and grapevine sculpture
In the 1760s, the original stone choir screen was replaced by a more ornate structure featuring extensive gilding, grapevine-like sculpture, and the coat of arms of Cardinal de Luynes.
Approximately how many pipes does the organ at Sens Cathedral comprise today, subsequent to its restorations?
Answer: Around 3,000 pipes
Following restorations, the organ at Sens Cathedral comprises approximately 2,906 pipes, totaling around 3,000.
What is unique regarding the statue-column of Saint Stephen on the west facade?
Answer: It is the only original column-statue to survive the French Revolution's vandalism.
The statue-column of Saint Stephen on the west facade is unique as it is the sole original column-statue to have survived the vandalism of the French Revolution.
The Flamboyant Gothic style, exemplified in the transept, is characterized by:
Answer: Exuberant, flame-like tracery and intricate decorative elements.
The Flamboyant Gothic style is distinguished by its exuberant ornamentation, featuring flame-like tracery and intricate decorative elements.
What is the approximate height of the south tower, inclusive of the Renaissance-style campanile added in 1537?
Answer: 78.25 meters
The south tower, augmented by a Renaissance-style campanile in 1537, reaches an approximate height of 78.25 meters.
The south tower of Sens Cathedral collapsed on April 5, 1268, resulting in damage but no fatalities.
Answer: False
The collapse of the south tower on April 5, 1268, did result in casualties, in addition to causing significant damage.
During the French Revolution, all sculptures adorning the central portal were destroyed, encompassing the statue of Saint-Etienne.
Answer: False
While many sculptures were destroyed, the statue of Saint-Etienne was preserved due to a clergyman quickly placing a Revolutionary cap on its head.
During the French Revolution, all of the cathedral's bells, including the two largest bourdons, were smelted down for bronze.
Answer: False
While eight bells were melted down, the two largest bourdon bells remained in place and were not destroyed.
Following the French Revolution, Sens Cathedral was secularized and failed to regain its status as a principal diocese, persisting as an ordinary parish church.
Answer: False
Although secularized, Sens Cathedral regained its status as an archbishopric in 1817 after the restoration of the royal government, though Napoleon I had previously refused to restore its principal diocese status.
The mid-19th century restoration project, spearheaded by Charles Robelin, garnered universal acclaim for its fidelity to the original 13th-century architectural plan.
Answer: False
The restoration project led by Charles Robelin faced criticism, notably from Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, and was later revised, indicating it was not universally praised for adherence to the original plan.
Sens Cathedral sustained significant damage during the Wars of Religion, including direct artillery bombardment by a Protestant army.
Answer: False
While the Wars of Religion caused disruptions and delays, the source indicates the city successfully withstood a siege by a Protestant army, implying direct bombardment causing significant damage is not the primary narrative.
During the Napoleonic Wars, Prussian soldiers occupied Sens Cathedral and utilized portions of it as barracks, leaving evidence of their occupation.
Answer: True
During the Napoleonic Wars, specifically in February 1814, Russian artillery bombarded the town, and Prussian soldiers occupied the cathedral, using it as barracks and leaving traces of their presence.
What was the cause of the collapse of the south tower of Sens Cathedral on April 5, 1268?
Answer: The source does not specify the exact cause, only that it collapsed.
The provided source material indicates that the south tower collapsed on April 5, 1268, but does not specify the precise cause.
How was the statue of Saint-Étienne on the central portal preserved during the French Revolution?
Answer: A clergyman quickly placed a Revolutionary cap on its head.
A clergyman's quick action of placing a Revolutionary cap on the statue of Saint-Étienne prevented its destruction during the French Revolution.
What fate befell the two largest bells, the bourdons, during the French Revolution?
Answer: They remained in place in the tower.
Unlike other bells that were melted down, the two largest bourdon bells of Sens Cathedral remained in place during the French Revolution.
Following its secularization, in what year did Sens Cathedral regain its status as an archbishopric?
Answer: 1817, following the restoration of the royal government.
Sens Cathedral regained its archbishopric status in 1817, subsequent to the restoration of the French monarchy.
Which architectural critic substantially revised the mid-19th century restoration plans initially proposed by Charles Robelin?
Answer: Eugène Viollet-le-Duc
Eugène Viollet-le-Duc critically evaluated and significantly revised the restoration plans initiated by Charles Robelin during the mid-19th century.
What specific damages did Sens Cathedral sustain during the Napoleonic Wars in February 1814?
Answer: Russian artillery damaged some stained glass windows.
In February 1814, during the Napoleonic Wars, Russian artillery fire impacted and damaged some of the stained glass windows of Sens Cathedral.
Which of the following represents one of the oldest stained glass windows in Sens Cathedral, situated within the choir and apse?
Answer: The Thomas Becket window
The Thomas Becket window, dating from the early 13th century, is among the oldest and most significant stained glass installations in the choir and apse of Sens Cathedral.
What is currently housed within the Archbishop's residence situated adjacent to the cathedral?
Answer: The cathedral treasury and the city's history museum
The Archbishop's residence, now the Museum of Sens, currently houses the cathedral's treasury and the city's history museum.
Which artist is credited with creating the sculpture for the tomb of Louis, Dauphin of France, situated within Sens Cathedral?
Answer: Guillaume Coustou the Younger
The tomb sculpture for Louis, Dauphin of France, located in Sens Cathedral, was created by Guillaume Coustou the Younger.
What notable feature has been reconstructed within the lower level of the Sens Museum?
Answer: A Roman thermal bath with a large mosaic floor
The lower level of the Sens Museum features a reconstruction of a Roman thermal bath, complete with a large mosaic floor.
Which of the following artworks is cited as being part of the Sens Museum's collection?
Answer: A painting by Pieter Brueghel the Younger
The Sens Museum's collection includes a painting by Pieter Brueghel the Younger.
What is the current function of the Archbishop's Palace, originally constructed in the 13th century?
Answer: It houses the cathedral treasury and the city's history museum.
The Archbishop's Palace, originally built in the 13th century, currently functions as the repository for the cathedral treasury and the city's history museum.