That's a fancy cathedral you got there

All the Gothic cathedrals! Rose windows, tympanums, spires, naves, and so much more. Besides being stunning examples of medieval architecture, we learned the following today about Gothic cathedrals:

• The buildings focused on verticality and luminosity - they physically achieved this for symbolic reasons 
• The architects achieved these two things by incorporating "flying buttresses" onto the exteriors 
• Cathedrals drew pilgrims from far and wide, creating economic opportunities nearby

All you who seek to honor these doors,

Marvel not at the gold and expense but at the craftsmanship of the work

Should brighten the minds, allowing them to travel through the lights.

To the drue light, where Christ is the true door.

The golden door defines how it is imminent in these things.

The dull mind rises to the truth through material things. 

The dull mind rises to the truth through  material things,

And is resurrected from its former submersion when the light is seen.

- Abbot Suger

As we study medieval art this week, you'll find that we'll focus mostly on architecture and sculpture and only one form of 2D art (illuminated manuscripts).  Sometimes...these manuscripts could be kinda weird. Most of it looks like this:

Uh...u ok, bro?

Don't even get me started on the babies. Here's a good article on why medieval babies were...for lack of a better way of putting it...ugly.

Need some mild Internet humor?

Legit question

Wise words in this political climate

Where can I get this?

Seriously.

Happy Monday! Until tomorrow,

- Siddiqui