Academic literature on the topic 'Avignon (France). Cathedral'

In the early nineteenth century, an obscure rural policeman petitioned the French government with an unusual story. Charles Fanaye had served with Napoleon's armies in Egypt. Chased by Mameluks, he was rescued in the nick of time by a black Ethiopian woman and hidden in her home. Threatened in turn by the Mameluks, Marie-Hélène (as the woman came to be called) threw in her lot with the French army and followed Fanaye to France. The couple then sought to wed. They easily overcame religious barriers when Marie-Héléne was baptized in the Cathedral of Avignon. But another obstacle was harder to overcome: an 1803 ministerial decree banned marriage between blacks and whites. Though Fanaye and Marie-Héléne begged for an exception, the decree would plague them for the next sixteen years of their romance.

The present work relates to the transfer of the inspirational elements used in St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague focusing on the hanging bolts in the sacristy of the cathedral. Two architects, Matthias of Arras and Peter Parler, participated in the construction of St. Vitus Cathedral in the 14th. Century Both of these builders were inspired by the most important buildings of contemporary Europe and the experience they gained was incorporated in the Prague cathedral. Through thorough research of the life of Matthias of Arras I am able to describe this builder as a unique personality who used a bold modern style for the construction of Prague cathedral and laid the foundation for cathedral architecture in Bohemia. Subsequent analysis of selected buildings constructed in the south of France during the 13th. and the first half of the 14th. centuries reveals many features which exhibit common characteristics with elements used on St. Vitus Cathedral, thus indicating the sources of inspiration for Prague cathedral. Both builders work meets in a space called "Old Sacristy" decorated with two unique pendant bosses. Thanks to exhaustive investigation it has been clarified that these bosses originated from southern France and Alsace. It has also been possible to chart their transmission throughout Europe and to...

Covering all regions of France—from Avignon's Palace of the Popes to Versailles' Petit Trianon—and all periods of French architecture—from the Roman theater at Orange to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris—this volume examines more than 60 of France's most important architectural landmarks. Writing in a clear and engaging style, David Hanser, professor of architecture at Oklahoma State University, describes the features, functions, and historical importance of each structure. Besides identifying location, style, architects, and periods of initial construction and major renovation, the cross-referenced and illustrated entries also highlight architectural and historical terms explained in the Glossary and conclude with a useful listing of further readings. The volume also offers ready-reference lists of entries by location, architectural style, and time period, as well as a general bibliography, a subject index, and a detailed introductory overview of French architecture. Entries cover major architectural structures as well as smaller sites, including everything from the Cathedral of Notre Dame to Metro (subway) stations. Ideal for college and high school students alike, this comprehensive look at the architecture of France is an indispensible addition to any shelf.