For the past three weeks, I have been studying the stained glass of the medieval churches. This major pictorial art form in France has for the most part been cherished. I understand that at some point in the French Revolution (and during other of the seemingly endless wars), windows were taken out and buried to preserve but many were destroyed and later restored. Without having the background knowledge to know for sure what time period I am observing I do believe that I am beginning to be able to identify a cathedral window that is very old. For example, St. Nazaire located within the walls of the Carcassonne Castle has windows from different centuries ... work from the 1300’s is truly genius caliber. I have learned that a Benedictine Monk had the foresight to write some of the glass processing development down … many methods are lost … artists cannot reproduce some of the colors today.
Recording procedures on how to make something is beneficial.
On the other hand, the accuracy of written accounts of history depends on the stand point of the writer.
It is impossible for me to conclude a historical edict about what was gained in wars of the past … after visiting the sites and reading about the destruction and deaths, the idea that a crusade against “a philosophy” can ever be “glorious” or “knightly” is dimmed. The remaining art, like the amazing stained glass, does reflect back to me that many people did appreciate and want to protect fine art from their region. I believe I understand this ... a continuity linking us together.
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