Rouen Sculpture
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Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy in northern France, is a treasure trove of medieval Gothic art and architecture, particularly from the 12th to 15th centuries. During this era, the city's prosperity—fueled by trade along the Seine and its status under Anglo-Norman rule—enabled the creation of soaring cathedrals and churches adorned with intricate stone sculptures. These works, often carved from local limestone, served both decorative and didactic purposes, illustrating biblical stories, saints' lives, and moral allegories for an illiterate populace. Gothic sculpture in Rouen evolved from the rigid, elongated figures of Early Gothic (c. 1140–1200) to the more naturalistic and expressive forms of High Gothic (c. 1200–1280), culminating in the ornate, flame-like tracery of Flamboyant Gothic (c.1350–1520). While wars and revolutions damaged many originals, surviving and restored examples vividly capture the era's spiritual intensity and craftsmanship.
Key sites include Rouen Cathedral, the Church of Saint-Maclou, and the Church of Saint-Ouen, where sculptures integrate seamlessly with architecture—portal tympana, jamb figures, gargoyles, and choir stalls blending narrative depth with structural innovation.
