Architecture Question -Chartres?

Question

I remember reading years ago that architects of gothic cathedrals used subtle differences in design on purpose.

You may not have noticed that the three portals of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris don't actually match.

I read that at one time there was a movement within the medival architechs guilds where the concensious of opinion was that, perfectly matching elements of a facade was boring.

I believe they even developed a kind of formula to achieve subtle differences to trick the eye in some way. The ancient Greeks did this with the parthenon.

Chartres Cathedral has extremely mismatched towers. I visited Chartres where I asked my tour guide about this when she asked for questions, she acted like my spaceship had just landed.

Any architecture students out there that can shed light on this?
or steer me to further information? Thanks

Answer 1

Kudo s to Joseph for all the links but methinks the question is overstated. Oddly enough a fictional book by the prolific Ken Follet gives one a good idea of what went into constructing a Medieval Cathedral - - - in 'The Pillars of the Earth.'
What is truly astounding about the construction of the Chartres Cathedral and others is that it was done in an age without blue prints. Most of the planning went on inside the heads of the Masons. And just as Rome was not built in a day so it was with Cathedrals whose construction could stretch over Centuries. Over Centuries new methods of construction or new fashions might come into Vogue and so variations crept into the design. In the case of Chartres Cathedral the shorter plainer tower was finished in the 1140's while the taller more flamboyant tower was the result of a 16th Century Florentine Spire being built atop an older tower.

But you are quite right about 'skewered' perspectives and 'tricks,' some out of necessity others a display of the Mason's inqenuity. Different groups of Mason's were often used on different parts of a Cathedral, even two sides of the same entrance, the same Portal - - - -in fact at Nortre Dame the three portals were built 'by the privillege' of different guilds and their contribution is noted by statuary and 'marks' in the stones, among other things. On some Cathederals there was even Competetion to see which group could make the 'best' Portal among other elements.

The prefection of God contains imperfections and definitely is less boring - - - no actual formula in play other than the mystery the mastery of Masons & Craftsman who labored for decades to create Cathederals.

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/chartres-cathedral.htm

"Chartres Cathedral's two contrasting towers — a 349-foot (105m) plain pyramid dating from the 1140s, and the other a 377-foot (113m) tall early 16th-century Flamboyant spire on top of an older tower — soar upwards over the pale green roof.""
http://www.athenapub.com/14chartres.htm
""" Although nearly completed by 1235, the new Gothic cathedral at Chartres was not consecrated until October 1260. Minor work performed on the cathedral afterwards included additions to the north tower, with a third section added during the second half of the 13th century. In 1507, master mason Jean Textier, known as Jean de Beuce, added a late Gothic flamboyant spire to the tower, replacing a wooden version destroyed in the fire of July 26, 1505. A small pavilion at the foot of the tower, also constructed by Jean de Beuce in 1520, contained the mechanism of a clock more than 18 ft in diameter. """


Joy =-------------

Answer 2

I am not an architecture student but I must confess your question arose my curiosity. I have seen so many cathedrals in Europe and I did notice the different naves, turrets, figures, arches but had never really the capability to explore this into the depth. I found some sites for you that I admit I am not sure if they do have the answer you look for but you can try:

http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Cathedrals/Paris/Sainte-Chapelle.shtml
http://architecture.about.com/od/greatbuildings/tp/greatest.htm
http://www.answers.com/topic/cathedral-architecture-development-of-the-eastern-end-in-england-and-france
http://www.elore.com/Gothic/contents.htm
http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/org/orion/eng/hst/gothic/amiens.html
http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Cathedrals/Chartres/Notre-Dame_Chartres.shtml
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05305/598264.stm

You need to pay for this one but maybe its worht your while
http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0013-8266(198501)100%3A394%3C165%3ACTMWBA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-Z
http://www.johnjames.com.au/jbooks-contractorsofchartres.shtml