Sculptures
We like to say that Chartres Cathedral contains the largest collection of stained-glass windows from the 12th and 13th centuries. But it also has the largest collection of sculpture from that time period, and has been conserved exceptionally well.
NINE PORTALS OF EXCEPTIONAL WORK: MORE THAN 1500 ‘ACTORS’…
For the art historian, this collection remains an exceptional reference today. The works here span from the beginning of the Gothic period to the height of its glory, and was sculpted in less than 100 years.
At first glance, the rigid characters, with their refined shapes, show only a hint of a mysterious smile. They gradually become more animated and let their emotions be revealed. Observe the evolution of the drapery and posture: from the extreme dignity of the Royal Portal statue columns (around 1150)...
ébrasement gauche, piliers 1 2 3 © NDC
…to the natural grace of the jamb statues on the North Porch (between 1210 and 1225).
ébrasement gauche, Aaron Moïse Abraham © NDC
For those who appreciate beauty in “3D”, here we are drawn to the spirituality and poetry of countless masterpieces. In the Royal Portal one can see Christ in Majesty and the statue columns (kings and queens from the Old Testament – Jesus’s royal ancestors) which Rodin considered to be the most ‘solemn’ sculptures that ever existed, as well as intimate scenes depicting the Annunciation, the Visitation and the Nativity scenes. On the North Porch, one can feel the powerful strength of Melchizedek or Moses, and see the extreme emotion on Saint John the Baptist’s face. In the South Porch one can see the loving presence of ‘Christ as Teacher’ and so many others…
Christ en Gloire, portail royal © NDC
Let us go back in history: all of the saints and prophets, each one in their own place, were arranged to present Christian mysteries. Was it a way to teach Bible stories to the illiterate, such as an encyclopedia or a web page? To welcome visitors, presenting the people who live there and who hold up the doors of this sacred space? Or a way to reinforce the liturgical word, as if the statues were responding to their names being called out, therefore making the priest’s prayers visible? Or perhaps turning the stone figures into song and theater which was played out in the porches, where the characters took turns ‘speaking’? One thing at a time. We have so much to learn from these sculptures…
We can identify great Biblical figures here, one by one. We can let ourselves be swept back in time by following the order in which they appear on stage. We can understand the essential message by focusing on the center of the portal. We can develop different symbolic meanings by picking out numerous parallels. Each and every time, you will be more intellectually and spiritually enriched.
The great jamb statues, their bases, the lintels, the tympanums (above the doors) and the voussoirs (arches) include series of 5, 6, 10, 12… 24 elements, which ‘unfold’ toward the interior of the great portal ‘book’ where you will find the keys to understanding them. However, nothing is better than being accompanied by a tour guide…
portail nord, Jean-Baptiste © NDC
portail nord © NDC
Let us remember that these statues were originally painted, and if you pay good attention you can see a few traces. With the exception of this paint, the original sculptures have lasted throughout centuries, without any additions or replacements. In these sculptures, Christian revelation is “complete”, from the Creation (North) to the end of time (South)…
