Higher
The almost colourless windows of the glass cage that forms the apse add to the simplicity of the abbey. It is a form of leadlight work that I find particularly appealing, and in fact had used in my own home at the time. The prismatic effect of some of the cut glass creates small iridescent rainbow spots of light that dance and move upon the stones constantly as the light outside changes and hides behind passing clouds. The use of polychromatic decorative carvings inside the church (such as that of Saint Michel seen yesterday behind the main altar) benefit greatly from this pure light – again a strong contrast when compared to the deep rich colours used in glazing the windows of Chartres Cathedral. We’ll take a closer look at some of these polychrome works later.
Take time to appreciate the stone lace and lattice work, so typical of French Gothic, and yet unlike anything I have seen elsewhere. The placement of the external supporting structures and buttresses is incredible for its lack of shadow interference with the lighting. The strength of those internal supports is almost unimaginable. That this is the third tier of the Marvel stretches belief - for we were yet to see how this feat was achieved.
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