Birth of the Gothic: Abbot Suger and the ambulatory at St. Denis

Ambulatory, Basilica of Saint Denis, Paris, 1140-44. Speakers: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker. Created by Beth Harris and Steven Zucker.

[porokothenoshow]

Was anyone sent here because of their teacher?

[scmager]

An excellent, elegant description of some of the mechanics of Gothic structure, especially in explaining the distinction between the pointed and semi-circular arch.

[beastman]

This aided in my art history; it was clear and understandable with various historical
information which added to the video. ...Enjoyed it!

[ziqiguo]

This is my fav channel ever! thank you smart history you really helps me a lot!

[deborahbee]

i'm reading a book called "Paris to the Past: Traveling Through French History by Train", by Ina Caro and this book brought me here. greetings from Brazil!

[delusionsofgrandeur]

That’s jaw dropping today so I can just imagine how they felt at the time

[erisdiscord]

Gorgeous cathedral. Thank you for helping me with my studies!

[zoechen]

Thank you for sharing. Greetings from China! 谢谢

[desmurphy]

Thank you for sharing and giving us an insight to this unique building. Damien C.

[Wintersghost]

Cool. I just found this playlist. I’ve been wanting to learn some humanities and art history info but don’t have the time for college classes. And this vid takes it to another level by combining it with structural engineering with the arch discussion - even better. Thx for the free education! You’re making the world a better place. That’s some good karma.

[Aleph_]

Sunday 14 July 1140.
On this day, Abbot Suger starts the new choir construction of his abbey church in St. Denis.
It’s the birth of Gothic.

[cwymerry]

thank u for upload this. it is help me a lot.

[mjkelly]

Great video. I will use it in my class.

[jefdavis]

So who was the philosopher he was actually studying? Plato? Socrates? They would make sense because of the sacred geometry that has been worked into the very construction of the building.

[pmurrTEST]

I visited this basilica in 2015 because my brother had read up on French history and insisted on visiting it. Today I mentioned the basilica where almost all French kings and many queens are buried to my French mother-in-law and my (French) wife’s god-daughter who are visiting - THEY’VE NEVER HEARD OF IT! They had no idea that this important place of French history existed. I am shocked beyond belief.

[melissadiep]

Everywhere I'm reading says that Suger's work is Romanesque, whereas the 13th century work is Rayonnant. I'm confused...

[Simonjose]

It's true but it also makes you feel an attachment and need for the material. Perhaps it's essential or perhaps a distraction.?.

[patful]

I was wondering why Aquitaine wasn't on your map?

[rrfirefly]

Heaven on earth. Fortunately the concept of aesthetics (in the transitory realm) serving spiritual contemplation and ego transcendence is still practiced today. Congregations such as Grace Cathedral in San Francisco are exemplars.

[Sasha]

Being in a space like that would definitely facilitate my connection to the divine. I look forward to finally getting my passport(!!!) and finding out someday. I see I need to study Italian and French again in the interim. 😋