Cloister of the Choir of the Cathedral of Chartres c. 19th century

Curator: This is *Cloister of the Choir of the Cathedral of Chartres,* by Best et Cie, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The immediate impression is one of intense detail, all those intricate lines drawing the eye into a vast, almost overwhelming space. Curator: Indeed, the cloister itself—a screen separating the choir—becomes a stage for both divine and human drama. It’s a barrier and a bridge between worlds. Editor: Observe how the perspective emphasizes the height of the cathedral, dwarfing the figures and creating a sense of spiritual yearning. Curator: Cathedrals were meant to inspire awe, to embody the power and permanence of faith. The human figures are there to remind us of our relationship to it. Editor: The high contrast amplifies this, creating a stark dichotomy between light and shadow, heaven and earth. Curator: A deeply resonant image, revealing the cultural memory embedded in sacred spaces. Editor: A compelling study in how formal elements contribute to a deeply spiritual experience.