Ladders – Haiku 2023 #ThursdayDoors

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetry
South Portal, Beavais Cathedral, Beauvais Oise France. Image Credit: © Igor Markov | Alamy

bespoke portals

propped up ladders —nave ghosts

articulating

***

The tallest constructed edifice of the 13th century and the “Burj Kalifa” of its day, La Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, Beauvais (Beauvais Cathedral), in Oise France still holds the world record for the highest choir vault, at a staggering 48.5 meters (159 feet) surpassing that of even St. Peter’s Basílica, the largest church in the world.

Still unfinished due to many troubles that plagued its ambitious original construction, Beauvais Cathedral has no nave.

These well-maintained hand-carved wood doors of Beauvais Cathedral’s South Portal were constructed in the 16th century. Carved by the local artists known only as the Picardie carvers.

The doors depict, in intricate storytelling details, events in the life and ministry of St. Peter and St. Paul (closeup below).

South Portal Doors, Beauvais Cathedral, France. Image credit: © guy-ozenne | istockphoto

Trivia: Needless to say, attempts at reaching unprecedented heights during the years of its construction were fraught with financial troubles and numerous collapses of roof portions.

The monumental efforts to keep the “cathedral with no nave” standing continue today (see image below.)

Permanent interior vault supports – Beauvais Cathedral, France. Image credit: Richard Nilsen

Beauvais Cathedral was initially intended to be (if you can imagine it) twice as tall with a steeple equal to its current girth. The steeple collapsed shortly after the Cathedral’s 1272 AD, consecration (wider angles below)

South Portal view, Beauvais Cathedral, Oise France. Image credit: Diliff | Wikimedia CC
Beauvais Cathedral, Beauvais France. Image credit: Sokoljan | Wikimedia CC0
Beauvais Cathedral, Oise France. Image credit: falsestart | tumblr

For more #ThursdayDoors visit host, Dan Antion @ No Facilities

By Teresa: My camera and I

Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

56 thoughts on “Ladders – Haiku 2023 #ThursdayDoors”

  4. 💒Still unfinished due to many troubles that plagued its ambitious original construction, Beauvais Cathedral has no nave.💒

    So where do the saints comgregate?

    Liked by 1 person

  5. 💒The tallest constructed edifice of the 13th century and the “Burj Kalifa” of its day, La Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, Beauvais (Beauvais Cathedral)💒

    The apse and transept have survived several collapses, and the choir (157 feet [48 metres]) remains the loftiest ever built, but now with the building of the “Burj Kalifa” the tallest Tower of the Caliphate, not anymore.
    Reads like a battle of contrast hence the construction of the Tower in a different setting

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh that is news to me too.
        But I was thinking the battle for the Caliphate that still stands as the tallest in modern times.

        Maybe this is why Catherine had to fall to put an end to the constructor of such lofty steeples on the otherside

        Liked by 1 person

  6. 💒Beauvais Cathedral was initially intended to be (if you can imagine it) twice as tall with a steeple equal to its current girth. The steeple collapsed shortly after the Cathedral’s 1272 AD, consecration (wider angles below)💒

    Oh my golly, after consecration
    If that doesn’t say something
    Still it was once a lofty thought

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Wow! Such a high and magnificent cathedral! So lovely building and its door. Thank you, Suzette, for sharing it along with your awesome haiku!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Your haiku was an intriguing segue to this interesting history. What is it Browning said about our reach exceeding our grasp. I wonder if there will ever be interest or enough money to take up the challenge again.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Absolutely perfect reference to Browning poem! Great question. Much of the money/effort seems to be directed to keeping the existing legacy intact. But who knows…perhaps someday technology may help them.
      As always thank you for hosting ThursdayDoors, Dan. Much appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes they do indeed contrast in a unique way. I can not think of two more opposing colors but they work in that context.
      Glad you enjoyed the phrase, Janet. My pleasure.

      Cheers

      Like

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