Blogpost 6

Although there are many similarities among the different Gothic cathedrals, there are also a variety of unique differences that allow you to see a difference. These differences also assist in defining a particular region to each of the different cathedrals. The cathedrals that were viewed by the phoenix group were in Cologne, Germany and Amiens, France.

http://www.featurepics.com/online/Cologne-Cathedral-1541420.aspx

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2355920650031963949lMPNrI

 

 

 These two buildings both have the gothic style, but the differences that help to show their regions are all in the material selections. In Cologne, the stone that is used is much darker than that of Amiens.  Traditionally Gothic cathedrals in Germany tend to lean towards this darker style, and the tendency for French building to be of a lighter color has been around long before the Gothic era, and continues in French design long after. Another thing that helps to define a difference is the colors used in the stain glass that is selected to accent the windows of the cathedral. Cologne used much brighter colors than Amiens, which is what would be expected due to the fact that the stone chosen in Germany has more color to is as well. 

http://www.anicursor.com/colpicb.html

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amiens_cathedral_Son_et_lumi%C3%A8re_003.JPG

My final difference that adds to the accent of a regional difference is the statues that are chosen to put on the outside of the cathedral. As was seen above the cathedrals in Cologne tend to be of a more masculine build and those of Amiens tend to have a more sleek, feminine look to them. This continues on in the statues that are placed. Those of Cologne have a powerful, masculine, dominant look to them. In contrast, the statues of Amiens are elegant and sleek.

http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-45566953/stock-photo-cologne-cathedral-of-saint-peter-and-mary-exterior-statues-famous-church-in-germany-seat-of.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sgparry/3143105972/