Northern+Renaissance+Art-+Settings%2C+Vistas%2C+and+Accoutrements+for+Mass+and+Prayer

Settings, Vistas, and Accoutrements for Mass and Prayer

Importance of Sensory Elements

• Contemplation and prayer are influenced by sensory experiences, necessitating natural surroundings and specific objects, including:

  • Natural places (e.g., mountains of Sion, Mount Sinai, Mont Saint Michel)

  • Temples and edifices

  • Images and paintings

  • Vestments and relics

  • Scents, lighting, sounds, and music

• Nicolas Oresme (d. 1382) emphasized these elements in contemplation within his commentary on Aristotle's Politique.

Historical Context of Prayer Locations

• Oresme's text highlights that while natural settings are ideal for contemplation, they are often not the most accessible.

• Christine de Pisan’s biography of Charles V provides insight into royal prayer practices:

  • Charles began his day with morning prayers in his private chamber, followed by high mass at his domestic Grande Chapelle (about 8 am).

  • Later, he retreated to his private oratory for additional mass.

• Different spaces like the bedchamber, domestic chapel (requiring papal authorization for mass), and private oratory were richly adorned to enhance the experience of worship.

Charles IV's Chapel of the Holy Cross

• The Chapel of the Holy Cross, built by Charles IV of Bohemia (1348-1365) at Karlstejn Castle, was an exceptional private chapel.

  • It served as a dramatic, sacred space housing precious relics, emphasizing its significance: "no castle or chapel in the world is so precious..."

  • Relics were integrated into the architecture, bricked into walls, set into the altar, and adorning paintings by Master Theoderic.

• The chapel was characterized as a "libretto on a grand scale," offering visitors a profound experience as they approached through a long, narrow staircase.

  • Contrast between the dark passageway and the gilded interior evokes spiritual awe.

Architectural Features and Symbolism

• The chapel's design featured thick walls, heavy doors, and was decorated to symbolize the heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-22).

• Extensive gilding and jasper decoration created visual references to biblical themes, expressing the grandeur of divine worship.

• The spiked railing around the chapel is interpreted as the crown of thorns, acquired by Charles IV, reinforcing the chapel's connection to Christ's Passion.

The Function of Private Chapels and Oratories

• Other chapels like those of Jean de Berry at Bourges aimed to house Passion relics and facilitate private devotion.

  • Jean de Berry's Sainte-Chapelle was noted for its exquisite design, yielding a significant visual impact through its style and stained glass, contrasting with the monumental yet more isolated Holy Cross chapel at Karlstejn.

• Domestic chapels in the houses of nobility began to emerge, serving personal and private needs, as exemplified by Jacques Coeur’s chapel.

  • Coeur’s chapel included private oratories for himself and his wife, designed for intimacy in prayer while maintaining liturgical observances.

The Role of Textiles in Worship

• Textiles played a vital role in enhancing the visual experience in chapels during mass and significant events.

  • Textile chapelles were designed to richly equip spaces for worship, showcasing the importance of luxury and splendor in religious settings.

  • Notable examples include the chapelles initiated by Charles V, highlighting the opulence and aesthetic value of religious attire and furnishings.

Conclusion: The Intersection of Architecture, Art, and Faith

• The interplay between architectural design, art, and ritual practice created environments where nobility could engage deeply with their faith, bridging private devotion with public worship.

• The structures and their rich accoutrements contributed significantly to the medieval religious experience, forming integral components of personal and communal spirituality.