Spotlight: Art of the Western World: Program 2

SPOTLIGHT ON

PROGRAM 2: A White Garment of Churches
Romanesque and Gothic
The exquisitely preserved church of Paray-le-Monial reveals how monasticism and pilgrimage affected the architectural development of French Romanesque churches in the 11th century, while Giselbertus' extraordinary sculpture at St. Lazare in Autun--filmed at close range in this program--eloquently illustrates the medieval focus on heaven and earth and the fear of damnation. Gothic architecture is explored at St. Denis and Chartres, where architectural features, sculpture, and magnificent stained-glass windows are related to theology and the profound social changes of the 12th and early 13th centuries.

Tulane University's theatre department has an excellent Web page for scenic and costume designers on world architecture, organized by time period and culture. Here you will find images showing the Early Gothic style, such as the famous Notre Dame Cathedral and Chateau Gaillard, built by Richard the Lion Hearted in 1196. Late Gothic examples include the Siena Cathedral and the Chateau of Laarnes, a Belgian castle.

This page also has images of Roman architecture and sculpture. The Romans' ingenious workmanship is illustrated in these domes, baths, arches, and other works.

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