To What Extent Do Color and Geometry Affect the Three Rose Windows in Notre-Dame de Paris?

1. Recommended Academic & Credible Sources

• Painton Cowen, The Rose Window: Splendor & Symbol (2005). Amazon: ISBN 0500051005
  • Use Cowen's chapters on "Manifest vs. Hidden Geometry" to illustrate layered design.
  • Quote his analysis of tracery patterns to support geometry arguments.
• Elizabeth Pastan, "It Ought to be Mary: Themes in the Western Rose Window of Notre-Dame of Paris," Different Visions (2022).
  • Cite her iconographic breakdown of the West rose's imagery for symbolic color points.
  • Use Pastan's discussion of restoration history to discuss modern perception.
• Friends of Notre-Dame, "Rose Windows" & "Stained Glass of Notre-Dame." Official: notredamedeparis.fr
  • Extract exact dimensions and installation dates to anchor your timeline.
  • Use restoration notes to discuss color recovery and light effects today.
• Emile Mâle, Religious Art in France of the Thirteenth Century (1902).
  • Incorporate Mâle's analysis of numerical symbolism for numerology bullets.
  • Quote his commentary on symmetry as an expression of divine order.
• Missio Dei, "Light and Color in Medieval Christian Wisdom and Art" (2021). missiodei.com
  • Use their color symbolism chart to assign meaning to each hue.
  • Reference theological texts (Pseudo-Dionysius) cited in the article.
• Baylor University, "The Language of Stained Glass" guide. baylor.edu
  • Extract Connick's principles on color contrast for visual emphasis.
  • Apply examples to specific window panels for didactic analysis.
• Robert Bork, The Geometry of Creation (2011).
  • Explain Bork's descriptions of proportional systems used in tracery.
  • Use diagrams from Bork (if available) to illustrate geometric construction.
• Otto von Simson, The Gothic Cathedral (1956).
  • Quote his sections on Suger's theology of light (lux nova) for natural light analysis.
  • Reference his discussion of liturgical orientation symbolism.
• Abbot Suger, De Administratione excerpts in translation.
  • Use Suger's own words on "brightening the mind" for emotional impact.
  • Discuss his objectives in reconstructing the St-Denis choir as a parallel.

2. Geometry Section Bullets & Ideas

• Radial symmetry distributes structural loads and creates a visual focal point (Cowen 2005).
  • Idea: Sketch a diagram showing load distribution in a rose tracery module.
  • Idea: Compare stability of circular vs. rectangular windows in Gothic design.
• Stone tracery: plate versus bar tracery techniques (Bork 2011).
  • Idea: Detail evolution from plate to bar tracery in Notre-Dame's three roses.
  • Idea: Photograph or source images of tracery profiles for visual support.
• Sacred geometry: circle as divine perfection; trefoils/quatrefoils as Trinity/Evangelists (Mâle 1902).
  • Idea: Chart symbolic meanings of each geometric shape used.
  • Idea: Discuss medieval treatises on geometry (e.g. John of Garland) for context.
• Numerology: 12-fold symmetry (apostles, months), 24 panels (elders) in South rose (Pastan 2022).
  • Idea: Create a table correlating panel counts with biblical references.
  • Idea: Analyze how numerology reinforces theological narratives.
• Layered geometry: manifest (visible), hidden (ratios), symbolic (shapes) (Cowen).
  • Idea: Describe how a viewer perceives manifest geometry first, then discovers symbolic layers.
  • Idea: Use an annotated image to overlay hidden ratio lines.
• Visual hierarchy: concentric rings guiding gaze toward central oculus featuring Madonna/Christ.
  • Idea: Examine how color and shape converge to highlight the central figure.
  • Idea: Discuss the psychological impact of concentric focus on medieval worshippers.
• Comparative note: Chartres' west rose similar program; contextualize Notre-Dame in Gothic canon.
  • Idea: Side-by-side visual comparison of Chartres and Notre-Dame tracery patterns.
  • Idea: Discuss regional variations in French Gothic rose designs.
• Image projection: geometry creates kaleidoscopic patterns on nave floor when illuminated.
  • Idea: Source visitor photographs taken during different times of day.
  • Idea: Model light projection angles using simple CAD or diagram.

3. Color Analysis Bullets & Ideas

• Blue (lapis-infused): Mary, heaven, wisdom; cost underscores importance (Missio Dei).
  • Idea: Investigate lapis lazuli trade routes to show the value of blue glass.
  • Idea: Include microscopy images of medieval blue glass composition.
• Red: blood of Christ, martyrdom, divine love; intensifies drama under midday sun.
  • Idea: Compare red hue shifts at different sun altitudes—use color swatches.
  • Idea: Cite liturgical texts referencing red in sanctuaries.
• Gold/yellow: divine light/glory; used for halos and backgrounds.
  • Idea: Analyze specific panels with yellow glass—note placement.
  • Idea: Research medieval recipes for yellow glass pigmentation.
• Green: rebirth, hope; minor accents in foliage and borders.
  • Idea: Map green usage to scenes of resurrection or paradise imagery.
  • Idea: Discuss symbolism of green in contemporary stained-glass guides.
• Complementary contrast: blue/red adjacency enhances legibility (Baylor Univ.).
  • Idea: Create color wheel diagrams to illustrate complementary relationships.
  • Idea: Cite psychological studies on color contrast perception.
• Color as didactic tool: "Bible of the Poor" windows convey narratives via hue zones.
  • Idea: Describe how non-literate audiences read windows by color-coded scenes.
  • Idea: Compare narrative clarity of rose windows with aisle lancets.
• Emotional shifts: blue calm vs. fiery drama (Abbot Suger).
  • Idea: Quote Suger's writings on emotional effects of colored light.
  • Idea: Include visitor testimonials on emotional responses to rose windows.
• Temporal change: colors more saturated at certain angles—dynamic engagement.
  • Idea: Photograph or model the same window at morning vs. afternoon.
  • Idea: Discuss seasonal variations and their liturgical significance.

4. Natural Light Analysis Bullets & Ideas

• Orientation: West (sunset, Judgment), South (noon, glory), North (diffuse, prophecy). (notredamedeparis.fr)
  • Idea: Diagram sun paths and highlight lighting angles for each window.
  • Idea: Cross-reference with liturgical calendar to time services under each window.
• Diurnal cycle: morning, noon, evening shifts alter color temp and projections.
  • Idea: Use time-lapse photography studies of light changes inside cathedral.
  • Idea: Chart light intensity vs. hue saturation for each window.
• Seasonal variation: solar altitude differences intensify winter South rose illumination.
  • Idea: Compare equinox vs. solstice light angles with simple solar diagrams.
  • Idea: Mention any recorded special illumination events (e.g., Christmas).
• Liturgical alignment: vesper light in West rose echoes Judgment; midday Mass under South.
  • Idea: Research medieval service times and correlate with lighting phenomena.
  • Idea: Discuss how clergy might schedule rituals based on window illumination.
• Theology of light (lux nova): colored light elevates mind (Simson 1956).
  • Idea: Quote Pseudo-Dionysius and Augustine on divine light concepts.
  • Idea: Compare Suger's St-Denis account with Notre-Dame's implementation.
• Astronomical intent: parallels with Chartres solstice alignment; consider Notre-Dame.
  • Idea: Investigate astronomical alignments in parish records or restoration notes.
  • Idea: Discuss broader Gothic interest in cosmic symbolism.
• Modern restoration: cleaning glass post-2019 to recover medieval luminosity.
  • Idea: Cite restoration reports on color restoration techniques.
  • Idea: Compare pre- and post-restoration photographs.
• Multi-sensory effect: light + incense + acoustics enhance ritual immersion.
  • Idea: Reference studies on sensory integration in sacred spaces.
  • Idea: Describe experiential accounts from worshippers or visitors.

5. Additional Considerations & Ideas

• Marian symbolism: "Mystical Rose"; two roses center on Virgin (Pastan).
  • Idea: Explore medieval hymns referring to Mary as the "Mystical Rose."
  • Idea: Discuss how Marian devotion shaped window commissions.
• Acoustics: glazed openings modify reverberation; architecture+sound synergy.
  • Idea: Cite acoustic analyses of Notre-Dame's nave.
  • Idea: Explain how sound qualities complement visual spectacle.
• Restoration tech: spectral imaging to analyze original glass composition.
  • Idea: Summarize scientific articles on glass pigment analysis.
  • Idea: Discuss how technology informs faithful restoration.
• Legacy: influence on Gothic revival; Viollet-le-Duc's reconstructions.
  • Idea: Compare 19th-century stained-glass additions to medieval originals.
  • Idea: Analyze critiques of restoration authenticity debates.
• Theological program: three windows narrate Salvation History.
  • Idea: Map iconographic content of each rose to stages of biblical narrative.
  • Idea: Discuss coherence of triadic program in space planning.

6. Formatting & Citation Tips

• Use precise citations: (Cowen 2005, p.45).
• Introduce bullet lists with topic sentences for coherence.
• Embed images with <figure> and discuss them in text.
• Link sections: highlight geometry↔color↔light interplay.
• Conclude with a synthesis of how elements combine to shape experience.