Cathedrals in general have always appeared to me as majestic
and powerful. Corruption aside, the presence of a cathedral placed in a city
represents the unity of faith. My first glance of Notre Dame fulfilled my expectations
of what a gothic cathedral should look like. The appearance of St. Germain des
Pres was more disappointing. I will admit that I am quite biased when it comes
to the external appearances of cathedrals. Although the size of the St. Germain
was adequate, the inside of the church still imitated Romanesque architecture;
a structure I much admire. Religion and beauty was reflected uniquely in both
cathedrals. This subject can lead to many debates and arguments but in the end
only the individual can consider something beautiful. The relationship between
beauty and religion can be interpreted differently by anyone. The way I
interpret religion is by classifying it as an art of beauty. Biblical stories
have always been a captivation to my mind. Because each story introduces
different themes that one can possibly apply to life, I see it as a work of
art. However, these thoughts come from a girl who enjoys reading the bible.
Beauty on the other hand can be defined as anything. Art or objects are beauty.
The emotions one feels towards something special or important can be defined as
beauty. In the end, it all depends on the individual. Even today, modern beauty
can be interpreted differently. For example, even though I find abstract work
confusing and dull, others may claim it is a work of art that represents beauty
in a unique way. There is a relationship between religion and beauty but each
also obtains its own form. As I mentioned before, beauty can be obtained in several
ways. Some form of capturing beauty is by building or sculpting something. The
construction of Notre Dame definitely reflects a dark beauty that many could
not replicate. The building of this grand cathedral acquired a sense of beauty
through an agenda. The Gothic architecture had an agenda to sculpt religious
figures to show off to the world their power. Although it was a religious
method they were practicing, their purpose was to use beauty to gain wealth and
empower the monarchy. The concept of beauty was understood differently by the
nobility; therefore they wanted to construct cathedrals that stepped away from
the classical architectural styles. The intellectual minds of the nobility were
certainly reflected through the flying buttresses. The confidence the nobility
obtained to defy gravity shows the willingness of becoming superior. Today, the
Gothic cathedrals stand still to be admired and praised by the world.
