Sens Cathedral: Detail, southwest tower seen above neighboring buildings
Date
Circa 1910
Creator
Location
Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries
One of the largest early Gothic buildings. It is likely that building began ca. 1140 (Henriet). The south chapel was in use by 1151 and Pope Alexander II (reigned 1061-1073) dedicated the altar of SS Peter and Paul on 19 April 1164, which indicates that the liturgical choir was roofed and vaulted. The building was nearing completion in 1168. Most of the west façade must post-date the fire in the city of 1184. The chapel of St Michel in the north-west tower was dedicated in 1210, that in the south-west tower in 1221 (rebuilt after a collapse, 1268-1290). The main vessel is extremely wide (16 m) and, for its time, tall (ca. 26 m). The sense of scale is reinforced by the huge domical, sexpartite main vaults. The most profound changes began in 1490 with the creation by Martin Chambiges of new transept façades and a regular crossing, starting with the south transept arm.
Our collection information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. If you have spotted an error, please contact Architecture Library, Hesburgh Libraries at asklib@nd.edu.
Also from
Architectural Lantern Slides of France

Abbey Church of Saint Austremonius, Issoire: Overall view of the apsidal end

Abbey Church of the Trinity, Fecamp: Overall view

Abbey Church, Saint-Leu-d'Esserent: Overall view, apsidal end with high chapel on top of five radiating chapels

Abbey of Our Lady of the Assumption, Saint-Brice: Overall view of the intact facade with blind arcades

Abbey of Saint Jean des Vignes, Soissons: Overall view, west facade still standing independently

Aix Cathedral: Detail, main Gothic portal
