The tall spire at St Denis (Fig. 2.8) was disassembled in 1846 after
several violent storms threatened its collapse, but its reconstruction began at last in May 2020.
Sculpture on the Doorways One the most original and unique features of Gothic sculpture were column statues. They first appeared on the doorway of St Denis and reflected the new architecture.
New Imagery in Art Gothic art was still didactic (for teaching), but a huge shift in religious thinking by scholars and intellectuals brought great changes in the imagery.
As art became more refined, the message of death and damnation was replaced by a vision of hope, and the distorted shapes and grotesque Romanesque demons disappeared.
Religious figures also became more naturalistic (Fig. 2.9 and 2.10).
Devotion to Mary increased in this age of chivalry, which had a high regard for the ‘honour’ of women.
Many Gothic cathedrals were called Notre Dame (Our Lady) and dedicated to the Virgin. Mary became one of the most important figures in art (Fig. 2.10).
Chivalry, or the chivalric code, was a code of conduct associated with the medieval Christian institution of knighthood. This moral system established the notion of honour and courtly manners.
Figure 2.9 (above) Figures on the main doorway of Reims Cathedral include the famous ‘Smiling Angel’, which has become the emblem of the city.
Figure 2.10 (right) The main doorway of Reims Cathedral is dedicated to Mary.
