Medieval Cathedrals and their Meanings

Medieval Cathedrals and their Meanings

Excerpted from an essay entitled 'Medieval Thought and its Architectural Expression'; Dec 1999

The cathedral also contained a considerable amount of sculptural decoration that was heavily encoded with meaning. For example, in Chartres, one enters from the west beneath the Royal Portal (see illustration). This portal was built c. 1150-1155. The lintel frieze represents the twelve apostles. Above, Christ is enthroned in glory, surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists. In the recessed arches are angles, prophets, and patriarchs. 9 Another example is seen in Notre Dame in the Portal of the Last Judgment (see illustration). This was built c. 1225-1230, and as it name indicates, the typanum represents the Last Judgment. Above, Christ is enthroned showing his wounds, between two angels with the instruments of the Passion. On the left is the knelling Virgin, on the right St. John as intercessor. The frieze below represents: left , the Chosen; right, a devil leading the Damned, chained together, to Hell. In the centre are St. Michael, with his balance, and the Devil, surmounted by the Celestial Jerusalem.10

The concept of the City of God, espoused by St Augustine and others, where man’s time on earth is transitory, and the purpose of one life is to attain union with God is clearly expressed in the cathedral. This expression is seen on many levels, whether in the underlying orientation, the ordering geometry, the use of light, sculpture, stained glass, or other decorative elements.