Suger was guided by both Philosophy and the mysticism of light.
"Noble is the work, but the work which shines here so nobly should lighten the hearts so that through true lights they can reach the one true light, where Christ is the true door...
The dull spirit rises up through the material to the truth and although he was cast down before, he arises new when he's seen the light."
-Abbot Suger-
Introduction-
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Abbot was a fellow student and friend to King Louis VI & VII.
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Renegade during the Second Crusade.
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A Shrewd businessman.
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A politician
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A genius for detail.
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And a strong devotion to both his King and The Church. (Very Loyal)
Suger was very devoted to the church. Taking a step back for a moment, we discussed back in Chapter 4 - "A History of Western Art," Ziggurats.
The Ziggurats were used as platforms, built on 'man-made' mountains to make that transitional space between the people and their Gods a little closer.
Maybe in a past life Suger was also responsible for those Ziggurats, but he was "That Guy," after Romanesque, he was change during this time. Making a change and bringing the people together into the House of God, and creating a closer bond between the people and God.
-Gothic refers to the Germanic Tribes who invaded Greece and Italy, sacking Rome in AD 410.
-The term was first used by italians in the 16th centurey to criticize the pre-renaissance style.
-The style was produced in northern Europe from the Middle Ages up until the beginning of the Renaissance.
-Typically noted in religious devotion, its expecially known for its distinctive arched design of its churches, its stained glass and illuminated manuscripts.
Abbot Suger, 1081- 1151, France
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Believed to be adopted and later raised by two lowly parent.
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Dedicated la novice to St. Denis, (age 9-10).
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Renounced his named and was appointed, "Abbot of St.Denis." (1122)
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Goal 1: He wanted to achieve through his work: To honor God and St. Denis through beautification of his church.
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Goal 2: To provide an experience of "Heaven on Earth," to the faithful.
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His desire was to get closer to, "The One True Light," in his use of heightened architecture as well as by his passion for the light in the church.