Let the France photos begin! Over the next month I'm slowly going to be sharing the art and architecture from my week in Paris. First up: Notre-Dame de Paris. It's a medieval Catholic cathedral and widely considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic Architecture. The cathedral is also filled with art of all kinds — statues, woodworking, paintings, stained glass, and more! In this first photo note how the shadow of the angel looks oddly gargoyle-esque….
I'm thinking that maybe all the ceilings in my life should be painted like the one above!
The more contemporary painting above surprised me. I think of art in churches as being of one particular period and type. Shame on me.
It's a beauty! So here are some artist-brain thoughts after wandering through Notre-Dame:
- Religious art has been something that I've glanced over in most museums. Occasionally all the gold leafing makes me stop and look because, like a magpie, I like shiny things. However, seeing all the art in situ, I was blown away by how the gold bits behaved. Lit mostly with the sun through the windows and lots of candles, the gold bits were emphasized in a way I had never seen in a museum. It made me think a little bit harder about what portions of the work the artists had decided to paint gold: halos, patterns on clothing, lines of sight, etc. These artists knew the environment their work was going to be displayed in and created the work to reflect (pun intended) that environment.
- The storytelling in the wood carvings, in the stained glass, in so much of the artwork was lovely. I was reminded of art's power to communicate. As I continue to work on becoming a better artist I find that more and more I want my work to have meaning. I want it to be more than just pleasant to look at.
- Why is art such a central part of the places we worship? I have a lot of theories. This cathedral was designed to create a sense of wonder, of awe, of peace. Art has the power to transform spaces in that way. It's one of the many reasons that empty walls in homes make me so sad. Art makes any space feel more alive.
What are your artist-brain thoughts after looking at these photos?
Thanks for stopping by!
I think one of the main (and very practical) reasons there is so much art in places of worship historically – was that back in time (middle ages and forward until relatively recently) the average person did not read and even when people started to be able to do so, they had VERY limited access to books (very foreign idea to us in modern days). So the churches had to tell their stories by using artwork – stained glass, paintings, sculptures, art on and in the churches (and temples etc.) It is a wonderful way to make the stories accessible to the people. And even though most of can read nowadays, it’s still a wonderful way to learn about religion. For many in Medieval times it may have been their only exposure to srt (at least this type of art) and I’m sure it was quite awe-inspiring. You are right to observe that it has an entirely different feel when it is set in its proper context – context can mean SOOOOO much! Light, environment, many factors have a play in how art is viewed!I loved seeing the photos – I was there many years ago and it really brought it back to me again.
I think one of the main (and very practical) reasons there is so much art in places of worship historically – was that back in time (middle ages and forward until relatively recently) the average person did not read and even when people started to be able to do so, they had VERY limited access to books (very foreign idea to us in modern days). So the churches had to tell their stories by using artwork – stained glass, paintings, sculptures, art on and in the churches (and temples etc.) It is a wonderful way to make the stories accessible to the people. And even though most of can read nowadays, it’s still a wonderful way to learn about religion. For many in Medieval times it may have been their only exposure to srt (at least this type of art) and I’m sure it was quite awe-inspiring. You are right to observe that it has an entirely different feel when it is set in its proper context – context can mean SOOOOO much! Light, environment, many factors have a play in how art is viewed!I loved seeing the photos – I was there many years ago and it really brought it back to me again.
I think one of the main (and very practical) reasons there is so much art in places of worship historically – was that back in time (middle ages and forward until relatively recently) the average person did not read and even when people started to be able to do so, they had VERY limited access to books (very foreign idea to us in modern days). So the churches had to tell their stories by using artwork – stained glass, paintings, sculptures, art on and in the churches (and temples etc.) It is a wonderful way to make the stories accessible to the people. And even though most of can read nowadays, it’s still a wonderful way to learn about religion. For many in Medieval times it may have been their only exposure to srt (at least this type of art) and I’m sure it was quite awe-inspiring. You are right to observe that it has an entirely different feel when it is set in its proper context – context can mean SOOOOO much! Light, environment, many factors have a play in how art is viewed!I loved seeing the photos – I was there many years ago and it really brought it back to me again.
I think one of the main (and very practical) reasons there is so much art in places of worship historically – was that back in time (middle ages and forward until relatively recently) the average person did not read and even when people started to be able to do so, they had VERY limited access to books (very foreign idea to us in modern days). So the churches had to tell their stories by using artwork – stained glass, paintings, sculptures, art on and in the churches (and temples etc.) It is a wonderful way to make the stories accessible to the people. And even though most of can read nowadays, it’s still a wonderful way to learn about religion. For many in Medieval times it may have been their only exposure to srt (at least this type of art) and I’m sure it was quite awe-inspiring. You are right to observe that it has an entirely different feel when it is set in its proper context – context can mean SOOOOO much! Light, environment, many factors have a play in how art is viewed!I loved seeing the photos – I was there many years ago and it really brought it back to me again.
I think one of the main (and very practical) reasons there is so much art in places of worship historically – was that back in time (middle ages and forward until relatively recently) the average person did not read and even when people started to be able to do so, they had VERY limited access to books (very foreign idea to us in modern days). So the churches had to tell their stories by using artwork – stained glass, paintings, sculptures, art on and in the churches (and temples etc.) It is a wonderful way to make the stories accessible to the people. And even though most of can read nowadays, it’s still a wonderful way to learn about religion. For many in Medieval times it may have been their only exposure to srt (at least this type of art) and I’m sure it was quite awe-inspiring. You are right to observe that it has an entirely different feel when it is set in its proper context – context can mean SOOOOO much! Light, environment, many factors have a play in how art is viewed!I loved seeing the photos – I was there many years ago and it really brought it back to me again.
I think one of the main (and very practical) reasons there is so much art in places of worship historically – was that back in time (middle ages and forward until relatively recently) the average person did not read and even when people started to be able to do so, they had VERY limited access to books (very foreign idea to us in modern days). So the churches had to tell their stories by using artwork – stained glass, paintings, sculptures, art on and in the churches (and temples etc.) It is a wonderful way to make the stories accessible to the people. And even though most of can read nowadays, it’s still a wonderful way to learn about religion. For many in Medieval times it may have been their only exposure to srt (at least this type of art) and I’m sure it was quite awe-inspiring. You are right to observe that it has an entirely different feel when it is set in its proper context – context can mean SOOOOO much! Light, environment, many factors have a play in how art is viewed!I loved seeing the photos – I was there many years ago and it really brought it back to me again.
I think one of the main (and very practical) reasons there is so much art in places of worship historically – was that back in time (middle ages and forward until relatively recently) the average person did not read and even when people started to be able to do so, they had VERY limited access to books (very foreign idea to us in modern days). So the churches had to tell their stories by using artwork – stained glass, paintings, sculptures, art on and in the churches (and temples etc.) It is a wonderful way to make the stories accessible to the people. And even though most of can read nowadays, it’s still a wonderful way to learn about religion. For many in Medieval times it may have been their only exposure to srt (at least this type of art) and I’m sure it was quite awe-inspiring. You are right to observe that it has an entirely different feel when it is set in its proper context – context can mean SOOOOO much! Light, environment, many factors have a play in how art is viewed!I loved seeing the photos – I was there many years ago and it really brought it back to me again.
I will probably never get to see this in person.So I am awe inspired by your gift of sharing this.
I love when an artist takes photos because you “see” with different eyes than the average person.
I was not so much enamored by gilt and gold although I know the artists who used it, did so with great care and purpose.
I loved the colors…the stained glass of course, but also every place that color was used from candles to tapestry.
I think Pam above is right about the storytelling history of non readers.
But we are visual learners and even if we can read the story ourselves, noting how it is interpreted in art is powerful.
I will probably never get to see this in person.So I am awe inspired by your gift of sharing this.
I love when an artist takes photos because you “see” with different eyes than the average person.
I was not so much enamored by gilt and gold although I know the artists who used it, did so with great care and purpose.
I loved the colors…the stained glass of course, but also every place that color was used from candles to tapestry.
I think Pam above is right about the storytelling history of non readers.
But we are visual learners and even if we can read the story ourselves, noting how it is interpreted in art is powerful.
I will probably never get to see this in person.So I am awe inspired by your gift of sharing this.
I love when an artist takes photos because you “see” with different eyes than the average person.
I was not so much enamored by gilt and gold although I know the artists who used it, did so with great care and purpose.
I loved the colors…the stained glass of course, but also every place that color was used from candles to tapestry.
I think Pam above is right about the storytelling history of non readers.
But we are visual learners and even if we can read the story ourselves, noting how it is interpreted in art is powerful.
I will probably never get to see this in person.So I am awe inspired by your gift of sharing this.
I love when an artist takes photos because you “see” with different eyes than the average person.
I was not so much enamored by gilt and gold although I know the artists who used it, did so with great care and purpose.
I loved the colors…the stained glass of course, but also every place that color was used from candles to tapestry.
I think Pam above is right about the storytelling history of non readers.
But we are visual learners and even if we can read the story ourselves, noting how it is interpreted in art is powerful.
I will probably never get to see this in person.So I am awe inspired by your gift of sharing this.
I love when an artist takes photos because you “see” with different eyes than the average person.
I was not so much enamored by gilt and gold although I know the artists who used it, did so with great care and purpose.
I loved the colors…the stained glass of course, but also every place that color was used from candles to tapestry.
I think Pam above is right about the storytelling history of non readers.
But we are visual learners and even if we can read the story ourselves, noting how it is interpreted in art is powerful.
I will probably never get to see this in person.So I am awe inspired by your gift of sharing this.
I love when an artist takes photos because you “see” with different eyes than the average person.
I was not so much enamored by gilt and gold although I know the artists who used it, did so with great care and purpose.
I loved the colors…the stained glass of course, but also every place that color was used from candles to tapestry.
I think Pam above is right about the storytelling history of non readers.
But we are visual learners and even if we can read the story ourselves, noting how it is interpreted in art is powerful.
I will probably never get to see this in person.So I am awe inspired by your gift of sharing this.
I love when an artist takes photos because you “see” with different eyes than the average person.
I was not so much enamored by gilt and gold although I know the artists who used it, did so with great care and purpose.
I loved the colors…the stained glass of course, but also every place that color was used from candles to tapestry.
I think Pam above is right about the storytelling history of non readers.
But we are visual learners and even if we can read the story ourselves, noting how it is interpreted in art is powerful.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures. I was there a couple of years ago, but the line was too long for our tour to be able to go inside. I am amazed at the size and intricacy of some of the art and was particularly struck by the lace trimmed garment on one of the statues.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures. I was there a couple of years ago, but the line was too long for our tour to be able to go inside. I am amazed at the size and intricacy of some of the art and was particularly struck by the lace trimmed garment on one of the statues.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures. I was there a couple of years ago, but the line was too long for our tour to be able to go inside. I am amazed at the size and intricacy of some of the art and was particularly struck by the lace trimmed garment on one of the statues.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures. I was there a couple of years ago, but the line was too long for our tour to be able to go inside. I am amazed at the size and intricacy of some of the art and was particularly struck by the lace trimmed garment on one of the statues.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures. I was there a couple of years ago, but the line was too long for our tour to be able to go inside. I am amazed at the size and intricacy of some of the art and was particularly struck by the lace trimmed garment on one of the statues.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures. I was there a couple of years ago, but the line was too long for our tour to be able to go inside. I am amazed at the size and intricacy of some of the art and was particularly struck by the lace trimmed garment on one of the statues.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures. I was there a couple of years ago, but the line was too long for our tour to be able to go inside. I am amazed at the size and intricacy of some of the art and was particularly struck by the lace trimmed garment on one of the statues.
I happened to be reviewing some pictures from my trip to Italy and the first thing that struck me is that Notre Dame de Paris looks decidedly French and my Italian domos look very Italian! The colors, the slight stylistic differences…It really never occurred to me that Catholic iconography would have a style other than Catholic! Considering that these images were designed to be pictograms for generally illiterate people who’s brightest and lightest moments in their weeks was going to church, it makes sense that the artwork needed to be “awesome.” Looking at the art in it’s native location (candle lit with incense and smoke stained walls) puts that gold leaf in it’s proper place!
I happened to be reviewing some pictures from my trip to Italy and the first thing that struck me is that Notre Dame de Paris looks decidedly French and my Italian domos look very Italian! The colors, the slight stylistic differences…It really never occurred to me that Catholic iconography would have a style other than Catholic! Considering that these images were designed to be pictograms for generally illiterate people who’s brightest and lightest moments in their weeks was going to church, it makes sense that the artwork needed to be “awesome.” Looking at the art in it’s native location (candle lit with incense and smoke stained walls) puts that gold leaf in it’s proper place!
I happened to be reviewing some pictures from my trip to Italy and the first thing that struck me is that Notre Dame de Paris looks decidedly French and my Italian domos look very Italian! The colors, the slight stylistic differences…It really never occurred to me that Catholic iconography would have a style other than Catholic! Considering that these images were designed to be pictograms for generally illiterate people who’s brightest and lightest moments in their weeks was going to church, it makes sense that the artwork needed to be “awesome.” Looking at the art in it’s native location (candle lit with incense and smoke stained walls) puts that gold leaf in it’s proper place!
I happened to be reviewing some pictures from my trip to Italy and the first thing that struck me is that Notre Dame de Paris looks decidedly French and my Italian domos look very Italian! The colors, the slight stylistic differences…It really never occurred to me that Catholic iconography would have a style other than Catholic! Considering that these images were designed to be pictograms for generally illiterate people who’s brightest and lightest moments in their weeks was going to church, it makes sense that the artwork needed to be “awesome.” Looking at the art in it’s native location (candle lit with incense and smoke stained walls) puts that gold leaf in it’s proper place!
I happened to be reviewing some pictures from my trip to Italy and the first thing that struck me is that Notre Dame de Paris looks decidedly French and my Italian domos look very Italian! The colors, the slight stylistic differences…It really never occurred to me that Catholic iconography would have a style other than Catholic! Considering that these images were designed to be pictograms for generally illiterate people who’s brightest and lightest moments in their weeks was going to church, it makes sense that the artwork needed to be “awesome.” Looking at the art in it’s native location (candle lit with incense and smoke stained walls) puts that gold leaf in it’s proper place!
I happened to be reviewing some pictures from my trip to Italy and the first thing that struck me is that Notre Dame de Paris looks decidedly French and my Italian domos look very Italian! The colors, the slight stylistic differences…It really never occurred to me that Catholic iconography would have a style other than Catholic! Considering that these images were designed to be pictograms for generally illiterate people who’s brightest and lightest moments in their weeks was going to church, it makes sense that the artwork needed to be “awesome.” Looking at the art in it’s native location (candle lit with incense and smoke stained walls) puts that gold leaf in it’s proper place!
I happened to be reviewing some pictures from my trip to Italy and the first thing that struck me is that Notre Dame de Paris looks decidedly French and my Italian domos look very Italian! The colors, the slight stylistic differences…It really never occurred to me that Catholic iconography would have a style other than Catholic! Considering that these images were designed to be pictograms for generally illiterate people who’s brightest and lightest moments in their weeks was going to church, it makes sense that the artwork needed to be “awesome.” Looking at the art in it’s native location (candle lit with incense and smoke stained walls) puts that gold leaf in it’s proper place!
Thanks for sharing your photos. I see so many patterns for carving stamps and mark making. Do you use only your phone camera when traveling or an additional camera?
Thanks for sharing your photos. I see so many patterns for carving stamps and mark making. Do you use only your phone camera when traveling or an additional camera?
Thanks for sharing your photos. I see so many patterns for carving stamps and mark making. Do you use only your phone camera when traveling or an additional camera?
Thanks for sharing your photos. I see so many patterns for carving stamps and mark making. Do you use only your phone camera when traveling or an additional camera?
Thanks for sharing your photos. I see so many patterns for carving stamps and mark making. Do you use only your phone camera when traveling or an additional camera?
Thanks for sharing your photos. I see so many patterns for carving stamps and mark making. Do you use only your phone camera when traveling or an additional camera?
Thanks for sharing your photos. I see so many patterns for carving stamps and mark making. Do you use only your phone camera when traveling or an additional camera?
iphone only.
iphone only.
iphone only.
iphone only.
iphone only.
iphone only.
iphone only.
Wonderful! Thanks for taking us along – looking forward to your next instalments.
Wonderful! Thanks for taking us along – looking forward to your next instalments.
Wonderful! Thanks for taking us along – looking forward to your next instalments.
Wonderful! Thanks for taking us along – looking forward to your next instalments.
Wonderful! Thanks for taking us along – looking forward to your next instalments.
Wonderful! Thanks for taking us along – looking forward to your next instalments.
Wonderful! Thanks for taking us along – looking forward to your next instalments.