Hi everyone,
I've been fascinated by the discussion of light in Gothic cathedrals. It's clear that aesthetically, the massive stained-glass windows and slender walls created an incredible sense of airiness and height, quite a contrast to the weighty Romanesque structures. The way the light filters through the colored glass, especially in Chartres (which I "visited" through the virtual tour), is just breathtaking. It feels almost otherworldly.
But beyond the pure beauty, I'm struck by how fundamentally theological this use of light was. Abbot Suger's ideas about "anagogical illumination" really stuck with me – the idea that physical light could elevate the soul to divine light. It wasn't just about making the space bright; it was about creating a sacred experience that mirrored the heavens. The light itself became a metaphor for God's presence. I'm thinking of the rose windows, too, not just as beautiful designs but as cosmic diagrams that bring in divine light.
What are your thoughts on this dual purpose of light?
