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Robert of Luzarches

French architect

Years: 1195 - 1260

Robert of Luzarches (born in Luzarches near Pontoise towards the end of the twelfth century) is a French architect who works on the cathedral of Notre Dame in Amiens.

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The Construction of Amiens Cathedral Begins (1220 …

The Construction of Amiens Cathedral Begins (1220 CE): A Masterpiece of High Gothic Architecture

In 1220, construction began on the west end of the nave of Notre-Dame d'Amiens (Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens), one of the greatest achievements of French High Gothic architecture. Designed to be both monumental in scale and structurally innovative, the cathedral’s soaring 138-foot (42-meter) vault and total length of 476 feet (145 meters) closely followed the plan of Reims Cathedral.

Origins of the Cathedral: The Relic of John the Baptist

The initial impetus for constructing Amiens Cathedral came with the installation of a highly revered relic—the reputed head of John the Baptist—on December 17, 1206.
The relic had been looted during the Fourth Crusade, when Crusaders sacked Constantinople in 1204 instead of fighting the Turks.
A sumptuous reliquary was crafted to house the skull, and the relic drew large numbers of pilgrims to Amiens, necessitating the construction of a grander cathedral to accommodate them.

Architectural Ambitions and Innovations

French High Gothic in style, the cathedral aimed to surpass its predecessors in height, luminosity, and spatial harmony.
The work was supervised by master mason Robert de Luzarches, one of the most renowned Gothic architects of his time.
Key design elements included:
- A soaring vaulted ceiling reaching 138 feet (42 meters), one of the tallest of any medieval cathedral.
- A vast interior space, with a total length of 476 feet (145 meters).
- A highly refined elevation, emphasizing light and verticality, drawing from the structural innovations of Reims Cathedral.

Legacy and Significance

Amiens Cathedral would become one of the largest and most perfected examples of Gothic architecture, surpassing many of its predecessors in scale and elegance.
The cathedral’s grandeur was deeply tied to its role as a pilgrimage site, further reinforcing its spiritual and cultural importance.
Over the next decades, Amiens would emerge as a leading model for later Gothic cathedrals, influencing architectural advancements across France and beyond.

The construction of Amiens Cathedral in 1220, driven by the arrival of the relic of John the Baptist, symbolized the height of medieval Gothic ambition, blending religious devotion, architectural innovation, and the wealth generated from the Crusades into one of the most magnificent cathedrals ever built.

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The First Building Campaign of Amiens Cathedral …

The First Building Campaign of Amiens Cathedral (1220–1233): The Construction of the Nave and Transept

The first major building campaign of Amiens Cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture, lasted until 1233 under the supervision of Robert de Luzarches. This phase focused on the construction of the nave and transept, establishing the foundation for what would become one of the largest and tallest Gothic cathedrals in Europe.

The Role of Robert de Luzarches (1220–1233)

Luzarches was the chief architect responsible for the early stages of construction, emphasizing monumental scale, structural innovation, and spatial unity.
His work set the soaring proportions of the cathedral, with a vault height of 138 feet (42 meters)—among the highest of any medieval cathedral.
The nave and transept were completed under his direction, showcasing:
- A spacious, light-filled interior, characteristic of the High Gothic style.
- Tall clerestory windows, allowing for abundant natural light.
- Strong vertical emphasis, with uninterrupted vaulting shafts leading the eye upward.

Transition to Thomas de Cormont (c. 1233 Onward)

After Luzarches’ departure or death, Thomas de Cormont took over as master builder.
His main contributions were:
- The construction of the lower parts of the choir and apse.
- Further refinements in the ribbed vaulting and support systems.
- Continuing the harmonization of architectural elements, ensuring structural continuity.

Legacy of the Early Building Phases

The nave and transept of Amiens Cathedral, completed by 1233, set the stage for the completion of the choir, apse, and facade in later decades.
The cathedral remains a landmark of High Gothic architecture, influencing subsequent cathedrals in France and beyond.
Luzarches and de Cormont’s contributions ensured that Amiens became one of the most structurally daring and artistically refined cathedrals of the Middle Ages.

The first construction phase of Amiens Cathedral (1220–1233) laid the foundation for its status as one of the greatest achievements of medieval Gothic architecture, combining unparalleled verticality, luminosity, and structural elegance.