"Chartres Cathedral is a near perfect embodiment of spirit in stone and glass." -M. Stockstad

A Gothic Icon

From its radiant colors produced by the beautiful stained glass to its exploding supports, Chartres Cathedral epitomizes Gothic architecture. Chartres cathedral was constructed in several stages, beginning in the mid-twelfth century and lasting until the mid-thirteenth century. The Early Gothic style, which began at Saint-Denis, greatly influenced the construction of Chartres. Chartres represents a transition from Early Gothic style to High Gothic Style. It is easy to understand why the Gothic style began and developed in France, upon consideration of the power of the monarchy under Louis VI and Louis VII. The Church at this time also had a great deal of power, particularly in the arts. To successfully create such a large scale project, like Chartres, secular and religious power had to go hand in hand. When construction began, the economy was dead. However, just as Chartres was influenced by the people that created it, the cathedral influenced society. The construction of Chartres depended on the growing economy and society it helped create. Because this Medieval society devoted so much of itself to the construction of Chartres, soaring architectural elements and exquisite stained glass were possible. home