Gothic Cathedral Door of Our Lady Cathedral, Antwerp
The Gothic door of Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is sight to behold! The details on the arched portion depict so many stories.
Gothic Door of Cathedral of Antwerp
Religious house served as school of moral education in the medieval era. The lessons of right and wrong, and the rewards and punishments of right doings and wrong doings are very clearly shown on Gothic door arches. It is hard to miss seeing them before entering the cathedrals or churches where they are put up.
Gothic details on door of Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp
I saw this little boy appreciating Gothic Details on Central Door of Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp.
Some nut or some bolt must have fascinated him that he stood watching it for long.
During my visits to several medieval era cathedrals of Europe one factor that never failed to impress me were the Gothic style doors. Their design is unique that reflects the aesthetic and structural principles of the Gothic architectural style.
These doors are expressions of the architectural philosophy and artistic sensibilities of the era. Their intricate craftsmanship and design serve as a window into the history, culture, and spirituality of the time.
The Gothic style emerged during the Middle Ages in Europe in the cathedrals, churches, and other grand structures of the time. They are known for the pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
Watch for these interesting features in the gothic doors next time you see one –
- Pointed arches, also known as ogival arches that create a sense of verticality and elegance, drawing the eye upward
- Intricate stone or wood carvings, known as tracery, take the form of delicate geometrical patterns, floral motifs, or intricate religious symbols.
- Gothic architecture emphasizes vertical lines. Tall, elongated proportions contribute to the sense of height and aspiration that is characteristic of the style.
- The door itself is divided into multiple panels, each featuring ornate detailing showcasing intricate carvings, religious scenes, or other decorative elements.
- Some Gothic doors are topped with small triangular structures called gablets, often accompanied by canopies or niches containing statues or carvings
- Gothic doors often served as a visual storytelling medium. Carvings on the doors might depict scenes from religious texts, lives of saints, or biblical narratives.
Gothic Style Doors
Jesus seated at the top. Those in the right side of the panel are right doers, chosen for eternal life; they have a calm serene look in their face.
And to the left are those condemned to tenure in hell, depicted with looks of fear and despair clear on their face. Gabriel, holds the scales of justice. He is shown swaying the sword mercilessly. A study of this panel by any child, those days, will definitely set the moral values right.
Gothic arch Door of Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp
Gothic Style Door
The arches that went over this gothic door had various characters;
- the first one had angels
- second one carved with wise men holding scrolls
- then political figures
- finally religious authorities.
By now my neck was aching, one can easily spend hours gazing at the details. From a distance the whole scene was like a page from a book.
Gothic Cathedral Door
Most likely you will find this central door closed. You can go around the Cathedral’s left door to get in. The closed door enables good photo opportunity.
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Wow..!
This is amazingly beautiful, and your picture conveys a clear view.
Thanks for letting us enjoy this!
haha! i know what you mean,
i can just imagine, me, staring at those architectural details, gaping! and trying to appreciate its craftsmanship.
this door just signifies everything about the meaning of life.
just beautiful…
Beautiful workmanship on the doors.
Great door with magnificent details! Thanks for sharing this, Indrani.
The details are amazing. I wonder how long it look to create this.
This magnificent door certainly tells a story.
classic…
puneonnet.com
Intricate, but so nicely described by you !
Wow…Magnificent!!
Indrani, the details on these carving are just amazing. What a beautiful building. Thanks for sharing, have a great day!
The stonemasons are really good, thanks Indrani.
Lovely captures of this magnificent portal, Indrani!
What a gorgeous door. All those beautiful carvings.
What a beautiful door. Amazing all the work that went into the intricate carvings.
Beautiful intricate work done on the done and so well captured Indrani.
Shantana
Amazing. The work makes me think of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. Your comment on illiteracy and the lessons of this art have me reading your photos all the more intently and imagining the wall as textbook.
What stories those carvings tell.
What a gorgeous building!!
Hugs
SueAnn
such detail in the carvings. Lovely as always!
very special – I enjoy the architectural delights, especially when they're so aged
Beautiful porch, great pictures.
magnificent!!
Wow. Such ornate and intricate designs !
The detail in this doorway is amazing. I think we could study it for hours. Thanks for your wonderful photos.
Beautiful intricate work!
What a fabulously intricate door!
love this…and by the way, check out my blog 🙂
I'm fascinated by the details and the history you are able to capture, Indrani! Superb shots as always! Really awesome, but I can just imagine how your neck must have ached!! Have a wonderful evening!
Sylvia
Oh, a lovely door and with so many details! 🙂 I'm sure you had a bad neck, after having stared at all the figures..
You did a great job to take these photos! I always like to see great architecture accompanied with an explanation about it. Thank you for this interesting post.
Semplicemente stupenda!!felice inizio settimana a te…ciao