I found a very rare collection of architectural work drawings last week. Out of curiosity, I started my research and found that they are real antique black and white prints of steel engraving plates from the study book of Medieval Architecture and Art - Volumes I and II. Each volume contains about a hundred steel engraving plates, showcasing the work drawings of principal monuments of the Middle Ages by Thomas H. King of Bruges. He created these work drawings for a popular publishing house, London Bell Daldy, in 1857. Currently, we have 12 architectural work drawings from this period in our collection. I feel fortunate that these prints came into my possession.
As I delved deeper, some of the prints started revealing their stories: who built those cathedrals, where, and why? To me, it felt like getting to know more about the prints made them more valuable—from just being prints to becoming pieces of history. So, I have shared a few prints and their interesting histories, referring to the original study books of Medieval Architecture and Art - Volumes I and II.
These architectural work drawing prints serve a dual purpose: firstly, they offer valuable insights into the architectural styles (Romanesque and Gothic), techniques, and artistic influences of the medieval period. Secondly, in the contemporary world, these exquisite prints can serve as stunning décor pieces, adorning the walls of individuals with a keen interest in architectural work drawings. Whether displayed on a focus wall or incorporated into a gallery wall, these prints add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any home interior.
Steel Engraving print - Medieval Architecture and Art -Semur - Plate 5 (Page- 54)
This work drawing depicts a church built in 1065 in Semur, France, by Robert I, a leader from Burgundy.
History of the Semur Church:
This church was built by Robert I. He did it to say sorry for a murder he did. The full story of Robert’s murder and his redemption is depicted in the tympanum shown on the first half of the print. The original church was replaced, but stories about why it was built were preserved through sculptures, pillars and tympanum of the north transept door of the new structure of the church.
Robert killed Dalmatius at a feast by giving him poison. Dalmatius, of Semur was his father in law. Robert felt bad afterward and did nice things to make up for it. His wife, Hélie, was sad about her dad dying. Robert went on a trip to Rome for forgiveness and then built the church.
The figures on the tympanum explained;
The sculptures in the North doorway represent the murder of Dalmatius, of Semur, by Robert of Burgundy.
Lower most tier of the tympanum;
- The murder was committed at a feast, which is represented at the right-hand corner of the lower tympanum. Robert is seen giving poison to his father-in-law. The effect of the poison is shown by the figure placed head downwards. The treachery of the deed is pourtrayed by the dog which is running away with a glove, the symbol of good faith.
- The three figures next the five who are sitting at table, represent the remorse of Robert, who is beating his breast, with a monk on one side and a doctor of divinity on the other.
- Then follows the almsgiving of Robert, in expiation of his crime.
- Then toward the left hand side, The grief of Hélie, who is in the castle lamenting the death of her father, while Robert is seen outside receiving the priest's exhortation.
Middle tier of the tympanum;
In the 2nd tier shown the murderer's pilgrimage to Rome, with his return, bearing the pope's pardon: also the erection of the church.
First tier of the tympanum;
On the top most tier there's figure of Jesus with angels.
The Voussoir (top most arch above the tympanum);
In the arch are a series of twelve subjects, representing the twelve months of the year:
1. Feasting
2. Warming at the fire
3. The birds beginning their nests
4. Pruning the vines
5. Going to the country
6. Sowing
7. Harvest
8. Thrashing
9. Gathering the grapes
10. Making wine meat for winter use
12. Closing the gates
Steel Engraving print Print - Medieval Architecture and Art -Auxerre- Plate 7 (Page- 33)
This work drawing depicts the designs of the capital of choirs of St. Stephen's Church, built in Auxerre, France, in the 12th century CE.
History of Auxerre and St. Stephen's Church:
Auxerre is a city in central France, situated in the Yonne department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It is known for its rich history, medieval architecture, and as an ancient bishop's seat. Auxerre was a city where bishops had a lot of power. They ruled not just the church, but also a large area that matched their diocese, including a county where many wealthy people followed their authority.
The work drawings showed in the print is 1/5th size of the actual capitals of the cathedral church of St. Stephen in Auxerre shows how influential these bishops were.
Steel Engraving print Print - Medieval Architecture and Art -Dijon- Plate 6 (Page- 62)
This drawing depicts the capitals selected from the lower arcading of choir of Notre-Dame cathedral in Dijon, France, in the 12th century CE.
A little about Notre-Dame cathedral, France;
Notre-Dame in Dijon is a medieval catholic cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. The Middle Pointed architectural style, which originated in France before becoming influential in other regions of Europe. Notre-Dame Church construction began in 1252 and finished in 1354, showcasing the evolution of the style during its peak century. Even though Notre-Dame church was built slightly earlier than the Semur Church (Pl -5) , they share similar architectural influences. The work drawings we have is of 1/5th size of the actual capitals of the Notre-Dame cathedral.
Steel Engraving print Print - Medieval Architecture and Art -Marbourg- Plate 8 (Page- 145)
This drawing depicts the perspective elevation of high alter of a 13th century church of St. Elizabeth of Hungary built in Germany.
A little about St. Elizabeth of Hungary cathedral:
This work drawing depicts the perspective elevation of the high altar of the German architectural marvel constructed in the 13th century CE to house the shrine of St. Elizabeth of Hungary and serve as a church for the Knights of the Teutonic Order. It was commissioned by Landgrave Conrad, her brother-in-law, and their Grand Master. St. Elizabeth was canonized on March 27, 1235, and construction of the church began on August 12 of the same year. Completed in 1283, the knights utilized it until the order's dissolution in 1809.
About St. Elizabeth of Hungary;
Elizabeth of Hungary also known as Elisabeth of Thuringia, was a princess of the Kingdom of Hungary and the landgravine of Thuringia.
Elizabeth was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary. At the tender age of 14, Elizabeth entered into marriage, only to be widowed at 20. After the death of her husband, she reclaimed her dowry and utilized the funds to establish a hospital, where she herself served the sick. Renowned for her acts of Christian charity, she passed away in 1231 at the age of 24 and was canonized on May 25, 1235. The Catholic Church venerates her as a saint.
Steel Engraving print Print - Medieval Architecture and Art -Seez - Plate 6 (Page- 70)
Specifically, this drawing depicts the architectural designs of the Seez Cathedral, France.
History of Seez Cathedral, France;
The cathedral in Seez has a rich history dating back to Roman times and it's said to have been built where an old pagan temple once stood. Over the centuries, several churches were constructed on the same spot. The one standing now is considered the fourth Christian church to be built during 13th century.
The Seez cathedral which was built in the 13th century is of Gothic style. During the time of building this church, it’s leaders wanted to make this church look as impressive as monasteries with fancy windows and towers, but they didn't have enough budget for this massive church yet they managed to build a grand church sacrificing the strong foundation. As the result of this weak construction the cathedral's sanctuary vault collapsed in the 14th century. They tried to make it stronger by adding support structures, but it kept getting worse. Even recent repairs haven't fixed all the issues. So the church needed a lot of fixes over time and the fixes has become an on going process..
Despite its challenges and ongoing repairs, the Seez Cathedral remains a remarkable piece of architectural work, cherished for its stunning Gothic beauty since 13th Century.
The work drawings showed in the print are listed below;
Fig. 1 and 2. Bays, with windows, of the Lady Chapel
Fig. 3 and 4. Same of chapels opening to the north
Fig. 5. Same of chapels opening to the south.
Fig. 6 and 7. Windows of aisles north and south of choir
Fig. 8. Window, south transept.
Fig. 9. Part of window on the north.
Fig. 10. Lower portion of Fig. 8 enlarged, with profile of its mouldings
I have handpicked and mentioned a few prints, but presently, our collection boasts 12 architectural work drawings, and I must say, each one offers a captivating glimpse into history. By sharing these prints and their accompanying stories, our aim is to celebrate their aesthetic allure and pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Medieval era. Whether displayed on the wall or studied for their historical significance, these architectural drawings connect us to our past and remind us of the lasting impact of medieval craftsmanship and artistry.
To know the price and other details of these prints please checkout the following links:
Medieval Architecture & Art-SEEZ - Plate 6 -Steel Engraving
Medieval Architecture & Art-Semur-Plate 5 (North transept door way) -Steel Engraving
Medieval Architecture & Art-Auxerre - Plate 7 (Capital of Choirs) (Steel Engraving)