The Western Porch and Wooden Doors of the Cathedral of Le Puy: Threshold Between Nature, Human, and Divine

Bc. Katarína Kravčíková

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Diplomová práca pojednáva o architektúre, dekoráciách a vizuálnych stratégiách vstupného priestoru katedrály Notre Dame v Le Puy-en-Velay z 12. storčia. Text pomyselne kopíruje a popisuje zážitok sekvenčného vstupu do katedrály, počas ktorého sa divákovi pomocou unikátneho architektonického riešenia, jeho vlastného fyzického pohybu a ikonografií na reliéfnych dverách a freskách vnútri portiku pripomína jeho liminálny stav a poloha. Stojac na prahu posvätného, pútneho miesta zasväteného Matke Božej, je teda divákovi premyslene ponúkané a umožnené uchopiť esenciu jeho vlastného spirituálneho a fyzického priblíženia ku posvätnému.

Abstract:

This thesis deals with the architecture, decorations and visual strategies of the entrance space of the 12th-century Cathedral Notre Dame in Le Puy-en-Velay. The text follows and describes the experience of a sequential entry into the cathedral. It is during this entrance process that the viewer seems to be reminded of his liminal position and location by means of a unique architectural design of the porch, his own physical movement, and iconographies chosen for the relief doors and frescoes within the porch. Standing on the threshold of the sacred, pilgrimage place dedicated to the Mother of God, the viewer is thus thoughtfully offered to grasp the very essence of his own spiritual and physical approach towards the sacred.

Keywords

Notre Dame du Puy, Le Puy-en-Velay, entrance space, pilgrimage, wooden doors, liminality, Infancy of Christ, Passion of Christ, Mother of God, Migrating Art Historians

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 8. 2019

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 9. 9. 2019
• Supervisor: doc. Ivan Foletti, MA
• Reader: Prof. Eric Palazzo

Masaryk University

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
General Theory and History of Arts and Culture / History of Arts