Eglise Abbatiale de Noirlac, Bruere-Allychamps (Cher)

I like the simplicity of this composition with the light streaming through the windows and illuminating the interior of the church. The background with the lectern, a chest? and two benches seems to be a place conducive to meditation.

... this is one of the great Cistercian monasteries founded by Bernard of Clairvaux. The Cistercians, as you remember, rebelled against what they perceived as the excesses of the Cluniac churches with all their decoration and carving. Instead, they built these simpler churches, albeit with tremendous lines and proportion, which was what I was trying to capture here in this 2-shot panorama. Not sure how successful, except it was fun to be able to capture both side aisles as well as the nave. Thanks for your comments, sorry I've been out of touch but have been working like crazy.

I think you captured the essence of it magnificently. Simplicity was the first thought that came to my mind when I looked at this.

The photograph is superb, Dennis. The essence of simplicity as it has been said.....but....so far to Bernard de Clairvaux, this personage has always been for me the guy who imposed a restricted vision of art. The great romanesque with its amazing ways was killed by his castrated conception of the world. The cistercian architecture may be clean and beautiful but it can't compare to the one that preceded it. Of course its my opinion. On the other hand, one of the most fascinating moments in medieval history is where Clairvaux meeted Pierre Abeillard. Two great men face to face, each one of them with his particular vision of the world... fascinating. History, always history!! :-) Cheers Dennis

... in a discussion of a simple photograph, we proceed to a discussion of medieval aesthetics and history, and end up with two of the great figures of the age, Bernard of Clairvaux and Peter Abelard. How they both started off by retreating to the wilderness with their disciples and found their strength, and then collided in their conflict in Paris. Bernard was formed by mysticism, Abelard by logic, and they inevitably collided. Fortunately they were reconciled before they died.

 

I guess Bernard is part of the cycle of religious renewal that is like the seasons of the earth, and was so especially in the Middle Ages. One season led to the next, which flourished and then turned into the next yet again, repeating forever. The initial monastic impulse consisted of self-abnegation, of self-denial and sacrifice, coupled with intense labor and prayer, the manner in which it was thought best to emulate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and to become worthy of that sacrifice. In time, the worthiness of the strict monks brought accolytes and novices who wished to join the community. The community got larger, expanded into the "desert" from which it sprang as land began to be cultivated and made useful. Perhaps a town or village grew up nearby, profting from its association with the monastery. Eventually the monastery attracted visitors who stood in mute admiration at the piety of the monks. These visitors gave gifts of money and land, and that led to better buildings, relics, and eventually, more fame and more riches. That which began with asceticism and self-denial became rich and powerful. As the monastery grew in wealth, it required an abbot who could administer not only to the souls of his brethern, but to the earthly demands of estate, which meant politics and other worldly concerns. After some time, the quiet desert retreat of ascetic monks became the great abbey church visited by pilgrims who contributed to the wealth and status of the institution.

 

And so then, some earnest brother, regretting the lost virtues of the original founders, again sought permission to retreat to the desert and seek salvation through self-denial and self-sacrifice. So it was with Bernard, and in fact, the moment that he died, many of his churches, the "daughters of Citeaux", suddenly sprouted elegant sculpture, stained glass windows, and fine altar screens. But his vision, reflected in these churches, is the vision of the reformer who seeks the direct meditative path to salvation.

It's around midnight here.Glad to see you're online,but maybe late for me to give you a call.But the internet is a pleasure to communicate for a good reason,as in the case of this photograph.Great light and awesome perspective.

Warm regards.

A neat perspective my friend. And mostly, an Amazing story Dennis. Reading your words is akin to entering a church. I am not kidding. It's like leaving the turmoil and disorder of the streets and going inside a bubble, an elevated bubble where spiritual wanderings supersede the daily crap . Your mind dwells where most of us humans should be. Instead of wasting away in nothingness, we should do like some monks have done, renew with the true meaning of being alive and conscious. as the years pass, i am becoming more and more ready for some radical transition just like that of the monks you talk about. Maybe I am just going to become a forest bum somewhere in France or the West coast. Well...not before the fishing trip though.

... thank you both.

 

Photis, always love to hear your voice, any time would be great. Glad you liked the shot.

 

Pascal, you make me smile. I read PJ your quote, not telling her who it was. Ten words in, "Pascal!" Thanks for your serious reflective thoughts, as well. As you know, I'm in the midst of this project and sometimes become a monomaniac. I sometimes wonder if people read what I write and think, "What's wrong with the guy?" It was nice to know that you understood and reflected. I can count on that, can't I.

Perfect example of Cistercian aesthetics ... no decoration, perfect lines and form.

Please view larger to get the full view. Thank you.

Another fine piece of art, Dennis. I like the details in it and the tones, well done Felicidades and best regards //Salvador

Hi Dennis, wonderful perspective and you really managed to illustrate the real essence of Cistercan art: geometry, simple stones, light and ... silence! It's like being there. Well done

Nicolo'

...I wondered how long it would be before you would post one. I have experimented with these but was surprised, and a little disappointed, that my horizontal panos were not as dramatic as a single vertical shot straight down the aisle, I'm sure its purely to do with the way the brain interprets the image. But tonight, my brain sees this as a welcome moment of peace...just what the doctor ordered! Cheers! RickDB

I think because of the crop that I do not like it as well as most of the others.

"albeit with tremendous lines and proportion" this is what you wrote to Adan and it's something that got me thinking for some time. While I do get that sense of scale I wondered increasingly about that light and felt that for me it had to look more dramatic to emphasize that even more. I don't know if you know what I mean but you're the expert on the subject. I played around with it a bit more. Wonder what you think of that...

I think this is great. I love the warmth that is felt from the light coming through the windows, and the silence that is portrayed here. It really does seem to quiet the mind. Thanks for sharing the photo and the story - Lex

This photo makes me hear things. The quiet breath of the marble, imperceptible unless you are very quiet yourself. The staccato of footsteps hitting the floor slowly, as if not wanting to wake the building up. The echo of a hum or a sigh or a slight eruption of joy as one wanders through and questions, "Is this real?"

I think Dennis that the window on the left end should be either shown more or cropped! The way it is it's spoiling the balance I think! All the rest perfect!

 

PDE

perfect composition.. Dennis..congratulation..Best regards NEZIF

One of your best..