THE GOTHIC STYLE AND THE VIA PULCHRITUDINIS

THE PATH OF BEAUTY IN THE SYMBOLISM AND LUMINOUS AESTHETICS OF THE WORK OF ABBOT SUGER DE SAINT-DENIS

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to provide a concise exposition of the anagogic symbolism and luminous aesthetics of the Gothic style and to establish its relationship with the Via-Pulchritudinis, the way of beauty, which was taken up in a similar document by the Pontifical Council for Culture in 2006. The aim is to understand the context, worldview and influences that led the forerunner of the style, Abbot Suger of Saint-Denis, to reform the first Gothic church, as well as the basis of his aesthetic and symbolic vision. As the abbey's architecture, ornaments and iconographic program point to a systematic structure of metaphysical and theological doctrines, we seek to attest to the intimate relationship between the metaphysics of light, Pesudo-Dionysius and the symbolism of the work, mainly through the stained glass windows, which flooded the church with divine light. We therefore try to understand the beauty and symbolism in medieval thought, present in the Gothic style, as these have always been based on the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist. Observe its perennial value, which extends and relates to the faithful of the current context, thus understanding the way of beauty. Finally, it is emphasized that this way is not unique, but in harmony with other ways, it enlightens and elevates man to the Truth. This work pays special attention to the Gothic style, knowing that, without aspiring to recover the idea of a golden age of liturgy or architecture, the commitment must be to create beautiful and timeless sacred works.