When considering sublime things, Saint Louis IX’s Sainte-Chapelle naturally comes to mind. Indeed, the definition of the sublime is “that which overawes us by its grandeur and beauty.”
When most people go to see this gem of civilization in Paris, they oftentimes see a reflection of this chapel before they even step through the grandiose doors. That reflection can be seen in the faces of those who are exiting the chapel. It is as if they had an out-of-this-world experience that brought them a childlike joy, calm, and admiration. For many, the experience gives rise to a genuine smile, not merely an expression of silly pleasure.
The ceiling of the lower part of Sainte-Chapelle
When entering the chapel, one sees why those leaving it were so happy.
One sees the play of colors and lights. There are beautiful statues, walls of stained glass and pointed arches. One truly gets the sense of walking into heaven.
One characteristic of sublime things is that they make the world understandable. People feel a natural affinity for sublime things because they reflect a natural order. One never enters the Sainte-Chapelle and feels uneasy. It is as if one had always longed for this.
A final impression of the chapel is that seeing sublimity on the outside tends to instill order inside the soul. It is like a great cleansing. Order begets order. As soon as one enters this magnificent chapel, the soul is filled with admiration and looks upward toward God.
The Sainte-Chapelle is truly sublime.
Photo Credit: The American TFP Photo Archive
First Published on TFP.org