Who was Abbot Suger and why is he important to the history of Gothic architecture?
Abbot Suger Suger was the patron of the rebuilding of Saint Denis, but not the architect, as was often assumed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In fact it appears that two distinct architects, or master masons, were involved in the 12th century changes.
What was Abbot Suger’s idea?
He believed that by stressing and enlarging the king’s role as vassal of Saint-Denis he could unite the king and his nobles under an idea they could mutually believe in. Suger also saw that the king could and should be protector of the peasants and the middle class. In 1122 Suger was elected abbot of Saint-Denis.
How did Abbot Suger view church decorations and furnishings?
Abbot Suger wrote at length about costly church furnishings. He valued them because they encouraged him to “delight in the beauty of the house of God.” In his eyes his splendid church was a way station on the road to paradise. He regarded a lavish investment in art as a spiritual aid.
Why was Saint Denis rebuilt?
In about 1135 he began reconstructing and enlarging the abbey. In his famous account of the work undertaken during his administration, Suger explained his decision to rebuild the church, due to the decrepit state of the old structure and its inability to cope with the crowds of pilgrims visiting the shrine of St Denis.
What was Abbot Suger’s idea of the church’s spiritual purpose?
Abbot Suger believed that the church should be the liminal environment somewhere between heaven and earth. The building rises and stretches up to reach God and be bathed in his light.
Where was Abbot Suger born?
Chennevières-lès-Louvres, France
Suger/Place of birth
Who was the founder of Suger Abbey in France?
Appointed abbot in 1122, he held that position until his death in 1155. His office was a highly prestigious one. The abbey had been founded in the seventh century by the Frankish king Dagobert in honor of Denis, the patron saint of France, and his legendary companions Rusticus and Eleutherius.
When did Suger become abbot of St-Denis?
On his return from Maguelonne, Suger became abbot of St-Denis in 1122. Until 1127, he occupied himself at court mainly with the temporal affairs of the kingdom, while during the following decade he devoted himself to the reorganization and reform of St-Denis.
Who was Abbot Adam Suger’s secretary in France?
As secretary to Abbot Adam, Suger made various diplomatic missions to Henry Beauclerc of Normandy, who was also King Henry I of England and the son of William the Conqueror. Suger was greatly impressed by the strong, orderly administration of the Norman ruler, which contrasted with the chaotic feudalism in France.
Who was the abbot of St.Louis Abbey?
After his election as abbot in 1122, Suger firmly steered the abbey in the path of reform while managing to keep it in close relations with the king, Louis the Fat, whose Robin-Hood-like exploits he would later chronicle.