Publications
Deciphering the Iron Provenance on a Medieval Building Yard: The Case of Bourges Cathedral
A groundbreaking analysis reveals that Bourges Cathedral's iron reinforcements, crucial for its architectural stability during the 13th century, were sourced from four distinct metallurgical districts. This study, combining trace rare earth element analysis and statistical methods, provides unprecedented precision in tracing iron circulation over a 30 to 40-year construction period. The research identifies local and more distant supply areas, linking them to specific construction phases and types of iron armatures used. By integrating archaeological, historical, and chemical data, the study offers new insights into medieval trade networks and material sourcing practices around a single UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Les armatures de fer de la cathédrale de Bourges : nouvelles données, nouvelles lectures
A groundbreaking study of Bourges Cathedral reveals that iron armatures, integral to its Gothic architecture, were not part of the original design but were introduced mid-construction to address structural instability. Analysis of 70 iron samples and 58 lead sealings, combined with archaeological observations from 2010–2011, demonstrates these reinforcements—including truss rods and chains in the triforium—were contemporary with the cathedral's early thirteenth-century construction but implemented reactively to stabilize an unfinished structure. This challenges long-held assumptions about medieval engineering practices and positions Bourges as a pivotal case study in the evolution of iron integration in Gothic masonry, highlighting a phase of experimental adaptation during its formative years.
Ordination, Purification, and Consecration: Episcopal Privilege at Bourges Cathedral
Medieval bishops, particularly those at Bourges Cathedral, wielded profound influence through religious, intellectual, and political spheres. This volume explores how their authority was articulated and perceived, revealing bishops as symbols of piety, intellectual life, and action. Through interdisciplinary essays, it examines the production of images—created by, for, and about medieval episcopacy—to dissect the complex interplay between privilege and perception. The research employs a multifaceted approach, analyzing visual and textual representations to illuminate the nuanced ways bishops shaped societal narratives during this pivotal era.
The Geometry of Bourges Cathedral
A groundbreaking geometrical analysis of Bourges Cathedral reveals that its original designer employed a tightly interlocking, five-fold subdivision in the chevet ground plan. This design, vertically extruded into the elevation, exhibits striking coherence, fitting both within squares and progressively smaller equilateral triangles. The study, leveraging high-precision laser survey data and computer-aided design (CAD) techniques, provides new evidence for the geometrical unity of Gothic cathedral architecture and advances the debate on 'ad quadratum' and 'ad triangulum' geometries. This methodology also underscores the potential of CAD-based analysis in studying precisely surveyed medieval buildings.
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