Course Description

Instructor: George deMan

When we saw the flames leaping from this venerable cathedral, many wept and all held their breath. Some degree of tragedy was averted, but severe damage was done. We are still holding breath and crossing fingers. The course will cover the building of this 12th/13th century monument, its many modifications and additions (notably those of Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century: gargoyles and fleche), comparisons and contrasts to several other Gothic cathedrals, and of course the events of 4/15/2019. Techniques of 12th century architecture, the making of stained glass and the famous Rose Windows, liturgical and secular purposes, and the magnetism of great works of art will be discussed. The future reconstruction and its challenges will be key. What 21st century innovations might be brought to bear? (digital archives already being a useful one). Important books to read in preparation or as the course proceeds: Allan Temko’s Notre Dame of Paris, Henry Adams’ Mont St. Michel & Chartres, Gault and Millau’s A Parisian’s Guide to Paris, and any good book on Gothic Cathedrals.