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Chevet Collection

The chevet, a term used in French architecture to refer to the eastern end of a church, holds immense historical and artistic significance

Background imageChevet Collection: View of Cluny Abbey, from Voyage Pittoresque de la France engraved under

View of Cluny Abbey, from Voyage Pittoresque de la France engraved under
XIR202725 View of Cluny Abbey, from Voyage Pittoresque de la France engraved under direction of Francois Denis Nee (1732-1817), published 1787 (engraving) (b/w photo) by Lallemand

Background imageChevet Collection: Church of St. Foy, begun c. 1050 by Abbot Odolric (photo)

Church of St. Foy, begun c. 1050 by Abbot Odolric (photo)
NUL245225 Church of St. Foy, begun c.1050 by Abbot Odolric (photo) by French School, (11th century); Conques, France; (add.info.: windoes designed by Pierre Soulages (b.1919); ); French

Background imageChevet Collection: St. Eustache church, c. 1925 (b / w photo)

St. Eustache church, c. 1925 (b / w photo)
XIR189428 St. Eustache church, c.1925 (b/w photo) by Giraudon, studio (1912-53); Paris, France; (add.info.: Saint Eustache; designed by Pierre Lemercier (d)

Background imageChevet Collection: Basilica Saint-Denis, interior view of the nave seen from the entrance, 1926 (b / w photo)

Basilica Saint-Denis, interior view of the nave seen from the entrance, 1926 (b / w photo)
XIR414685 Basilica Saint-Denis, interior view of the nave seen from the entrance, 1926 (b/w photo) by Giraudon, studio (1912-53); Saint-Denis

Background imageChevet Collection: Church of St. Foy, begun c. 1050 by Abbot Odolric (photo)

Church of St. Foy, begun c. 1050 by Abbot Odolric (photo)
NUL245217 Church of St. Foy, begun c.1050 by Abbot Odolric (photo) by French School, (11th century); Conques, France; French, out of copyright

Background imageChevet Collection: Exterior view of the east end (photo)

Exterior view of the east end (photo)
MAE170571 Exterior view of the east end (photo) by French School; Beauvais Cathedral, Beauvais, France; ePaul Maeyaert; French, out of copyright

Background imageChevet Collection: East end of Notre Dame, 1163-1345 (photo)

East end of Notre Dame, 1163-1345 (photo)
MAE172526 East end of Notre Dame, 1163-1345 (photo) by French School; Paris, France; ePaul Maeyaert; French, out of copyright

Background imageChevet Collection: Exterior view, 1000-1099 (photo)

Exterior view, 1000-1099 (photo)
XIR187081 Exterior view, 1000-1099 (photo) by French School, (11th century); Church of Saint-Hilaire, Poitiers, France; French, out of copyright

Background imageChevet Collection: Le chevet de Notre-Dame (b / w photo)

Le chevet de Notre-Dame (b / w photo)
3624045 Le chevet de Notre-Dame (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Le chevet de Notre-Dame)

Background imageChevet Collection: Exterior view of the east end (photo)

Exterior view of the east end (photo)
XIR223885 Exterior view of the east end (photo) by French School; Beauvais Cathedral, Beauvais, France; French, out of copyright

Background imageChevet Collection: Exterior view of the south facade (photo)

Exterior view of the south facade (photo)
XIR210449 Exterior view of the south facade (photo) by French School; Beauvais Cathedral, Beauvais, France; French, out of copyright

Background imageChevet Collection: Basilica Saint-Denis, exterior view of the apse from North-East, 1926 (b / w photo)

Basilica Saint-Denis, exterior view of the apse from North-East, 1926 (b / w photo)
XIR414682 Basilica Saint-Denis, exterior view of the apse from North-East, 1926 (b/w photo) by Giraudon, studio (1912-53); Saint-Denis

Background imageChevet Collection: L eglise Sainte-Croix, ses dependances et son ilot; d apres un plan manuscrit du XVe siecle

L eglise Sainte-Croix, ses dependances et son ilot; d apres un plan manuscrit du XVe siecle
963052 L eglise Sainte-Croix, ses dependances et son ilot; d apres un plan manuscrit du XVe siecle, communique par M Albert Lenoir (engraving) by French School

Background imageChevet Collection: Church of St. Foy from the east, begun c. 1050 by Abbot Odolric (photo)

Church of St. Foy from the east, begun c. 1050 by Abbot Odolric (photo)
MAE170054 Church of St. Foy from the east, begun c.1050 by Abbot Odolric (photo) by French School, (11th century); Conques, France; ePaul Maeyaert; French, out of copyright

Background imageChevet Collection: View of the exterior view of the church, built 1035-60 (photo)

View of the exterior view of the church, built 1035-60 (photo)
XIR229529 View of the exterior view of the church, built 1035-60 (photo) by French School, (11th century); Church of St. Foy, Conques, France; French, out of copyright

Background imageChevet Collection: Basilica Saint-Denis, interior view, 1818 (engraving)

Basilica Saint-Denis, interior view, 1818 (engraving)
XIR414686 Basilica Saint-Denis, interior view, 1818 (engraving) by Couche, Louis Francois (1782-1849); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; (add.info.: basilique Saint Denis)

Background imageChevet Collection: Charles Meryon after Polycles Langlois (French, 1821-1868), Chevet de St

Charles Meryon after Polycles Langlois (French, 1821-1868), Chevet de St. Martin-sur-Renelle (The Apsis of the Church of St. Martin-sur-Renelle), 1860, etching


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The chevet, a term used in French architecture to refer to the eastern end of a church, holds immense historical and artistic significance. From the stunning view of Cluny Abbey captured in the Voyage Pittoresque de la France engraving to the majestic Church of St. Foy initiated by Abbot Odolric around 1050, each depiction showcases the grandeur and craftsmanship that went into creating these masterpieces. Intriguingly, even a black and white photograph from 1925 manages to transport us back in time as we gaze upon the remarkable St. Eustache church. The Basilica Saint-Denis offers an interior view of its nave seen from the entrance, allowing us to marvel at its architectural splendor dating back to 1926. The exterior views provide another perspective on these magnificent structures. Whether it is Notre Dame's east end spanning from 1163-1345 or an earlier glimpse from 1000-1099, each photograph captures different eras and styles that have shaped our understanding of Gothic architecture. One cannot help but be captivated by "Le chevet de Notre-Dame" portrayed in black and white; it exudes an air of mystery and reverence. The south facade also commands attention with its intricate details and imposing presence. Lastly, we are treated to an exterior view of Basilica Saint-Denis' apse taken from North-East in 1926. This image perfectly encapsulates how this architectural gem seamlessly blends with its surroundings while still standing out as a testament to human ingenuity. These glimpses into various chevets offer us not only visual delights but also insights into centuries-old traditions, skilled craftsmanship, and unwavering devotion that continue to inspire awe today.