Art In The Pious…

Rouen Cathedral, Normandy, France

" What's the difference

Between Love and Lust?

What's the difference,

Between dishonesty and trust?

What's the difference

Between joy and pain?

Frankie Beverly says;

'Like sunshine and rain.'

Two sides of the coin;

Yin & Yang.

Happiness, despair,

Pious and profane.

You can't undo one,

Without destroying the other-

They're forever bound

Like mother, father,

Sister or brother.

There's no difference.

They're all one and the same-

To my joy,

And to my shame."

So goes “What’s the Difference?”, an original poem of mine in which I question the seemingly dichotomous manner of human nature. So, I’ll be exploring that idea, at least in part, in two posts; the first of which you’re reading now - Art in the Pious.

You see, a few weeks ago, my wife and I were visiting Newark, New Jersey, and while there, we visited the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The visit got me thinking about how the art of these old buildings has continued to influence our culture, and what it means to use art to draw closer to the sublime.

The Cathedral was built in fits and starts, beginning in 1898 under initial architect Jeremiah O'Rourke, who left in 1910. Originally designed in the English-Irish Gothic Revival style, it was completed in the French Gothic Revival style and consecrated in 1954.

South Facade of Basilica -It was hot out that day!

While the Basilica's construction post-dates medieval and Renaissance forms, it's still a fine representation of cathedral art. In medieval times, many people couldn’t read, and the art served a dual purpose- to tell a story visually and to inspire a sense of awe for the divine.

The French Gothic Revival style of the Basilica follows this same formula. The French Gothic style originated around in France around 1140, and several notable cathedrals utilize this deign form, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Reims Cathedral, and Chartres Cathedral.

Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross

Another interior shot of the Cathedral

Typical of many cathedrals, the basilica's ground plan is that of a cross, obviously symbolizing the instrument of Jesus' crucifixion. Rich in symbolism, the plan is also functional in that the building is divided into sections where different functions and activities may be carried out.

I'm not a Catholic, but for those of you who are, one fact you may appreciate is that the building gets its name from a Catholic religious practice focused on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which Catholics view as a symbol representing Christ's love and care for all people.

In any case, I was intrigued during the visit; it reminded me of how I had to study art history as a high school student many eons ago. But more than that, I was intrigued that humanity has been inspired to create such beauty despite so much seeming badness in the world. And that such beauty, such piousness, can exist alongside the profane. And that will be the topic of my next post. See you there.