Sainte-Chapelle, Paris_0339
Sainte-Chapelle is relatively small compared to the grand cathedrals of Notre-Dame de Paris, Chartres and Amiens. But what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in jaw-dropping beauty and elegance. Supported by slender pillars, the high vaulted ceiling seems to float weightlessly above the magnificent stained glass windows which take up almost all of the upper wall space. The overall effect is that of a breathtaking experience of light, colour and transcendence of spirit.
Amazingly, the chapel was built in only seven or eight years. Work began in 1240 or 1241 and was completed by April of 1248. The rose window in the western wall was added in the following century. Significantly, almost two thirds of the stained glass is original.
© Irwin Reynolds, all rights reserved. If you are interested in using one of my images or would like a high quality fine art print, please send me an email (irwinreynolds@me.com)
Sainte-Chapelle, Paris_0339
Sainte-Chapelle is relatively small compared to the grand cathedrals of Notre-Dame de Paris, Chartres and Amiens. But what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in jaw-dropping beauty and elegance. Supported by slender pillars, the high vaulted ceiling seems to float weightlessly above the magnificent stained glass windows which take up almost all of the upper wall space. The overall effect is that of a breathtaking experience of light, colour and transcendence of spirit.
Amazingly, the chapel was built in only seven or eight years. Work began in 1240 or 1241 and was completed by April of 1248. The rose window in the western wall was added in the following century. Significantly, almost two thirds of the stained glass is original.
© Irwin Reynolds, all rights reserved. If you are interested in using one of my images or would like a high quality fine art print, please send me an email (irwinreynolds@me.com)