What was Abbot Suger famous for?
Suger, (born 1081, near Paris—died Jan. 13, 1151), French abbot and adviser to kings Louis VI and VII whose supervision of the rebuilding of the abbey church of Saint-Denis was instrumental in the development of the Gothic style of architecture.
What building style was created by Abbot Suger around 1140?
The origins of Gothic architecture can be traced back to a 12th century French clergyman named Abbot Suger (1081-1155), who was abbot of Saint Denis and friend and advisor to King Louis VII of France.
What were the three innovations of Abbot Suger that came to symbolize the architecture of Gothic churches and cathedrals?
This triad–ornamentation, technical accomplishment, and, above all, light–would come to define Gothic as it spread and developed.
What did Abbot Suger do to change architecture?
In the 12th century, Abbot Suger rebuilt portions of the church using innovative structural and decorative features that were drawn from a number of sources, resulting in the first truly Gothic building.
What did Abbot Suger invent?
The Gothic style was first developed in France, where the various elements had first been used together within a single building at the choir of the Basilique Saint-Denis north of Paris, built by Abbot Suger and dedicated in June 1144.
What is the essence of Gothic style created by Abbot Suger?
Suger was commissioned by King Louis VII to renovate Saint-Denis. Suger used what would come to be known as gothic techniques, including rib vaulting, raised buttresses, and pointed arches, to open up the church. Openings were used to house magnificent works of stained glass architecture, including the Tree of Jesse.
How did Abbot Suger view church decorations and furnishings?
Abbot Suger wrote at length about costly church furnishings. He valued them because they encouraged him to “delight in the beauty of the house of God.” In his eyes his splendid church was a way station on the road to paradise. He regarded a lavish investment in art as a spiritual aid.
What are the three main components of Gothic architecture?
The pointed arch, rib vault and flying buttress are three of the main features of Gothic architecture.
What were the elements of the Gothic cathedral created by Abbot Suger?
Suger’s renovations included classic Gothic elements, including pointed arches, flying buttresses, clustered columns, and most importantly, space for stained glass windows. The abbey became an important burial ground for French kings, and all but three of France’s monarchs were buried there.