Inside the cathedral Photo

Photographer’s Note

Inside the ancient Cathedral of St. Just and St. Pasteur in Narbonne

As the papal campagin against the Cathars ended with the burning of some 220 perfects at Montsegur in 1244 it was time for the Pope to display his almighty power and of course building a grand cathedral in Narbonne was one way to do this. Especially as the Archbishop of Audes at that time was seated in just Narbonne.

Starting in 1272 on the site of 3 older churches: A basilica from the time of Constatine, a Roman basilica and a cathedral of the Caroligan periode. The cathedral of today was consecrated in 1587 by the archbishop of Narbonne Francois de Joyeuse (only 25 years at the time) and dedicated to the martyrs St Just and St Pasteurs.

The Cathedral is never completed as attempts to finish it later on was stopped as it also would include removal of the walls surrounding the cathedral in medieval times.
The choir is some 48m wide and 55m long. The arches rise to impressively 40m (only ‘beaten’ by the cathedrals in Beauvais (48m), Amiens (42m) and Metz (41m)).

The cathedral is not a standalone building structure as it was also integrated with a monastery and the archbishop’s impressive Palace. From some sides looking more like a fortification than a church.

For an outside view pls. see my last post

Buin, asajernigan, pauloog, ChrisJ, cbrman, UlfE, angie-barcelona has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

coco (27588) 2008-12-13 5:00

Hi Jack.

One of the most impressive French gothic buildings that I've seen.

Also a very good composition and picture.

Well done.

Buin (36852) 2008-12-13 5:20

Hallo Jack!
Here you have had a really difficult light - but you succeeded in showing us an interesting and impressive picture. A truly beautiful nave shown in a wonderful light - and in combination with the excellent note an allover good contribution.
Greetings from grey and cold Westphalia - and have a nice Advent Season!
Frank

asajernigan (13889) 2008-12-13 5:37

Jack,
This is a well composed shot of the interior of this grand cathedral. The vertical format works well showing the height of the scene while allowing us to see nice detail. The aisle leads the eye into the shot nicely.
TFS,
Asa

pauloog (6278) 2008-12-13 6:22

Hello Jack,
Light well managed in this impressive interior view.
Regards,
Paul

toto (18547) 2008-12-13 9:29

Bonsoir,
belle photo de cette immence Cathédrale de Narbonne, vraiment très claire, nette, les détails de toutes beautés.
La nef, le choeur, les vitreaux, toutes ces choses sont magnifiques et bien éclairée par cette lumière naturelle.

Amitiés Thomas

TGULUMSER (12418) 2008-12-13 9:38

Hello Jack,
Your shot reflects the greatness of this gorgeous cathedral very well. Very impressive view. The light management is superb,
Best regards,
Tulay

ChrisJ (69522) 2008-12-13 15:00

Hello Jack

Well managed interior lighting, with a good exposure level, & excellent shadow detail & sharpness, within the cathedral. Good colour & perspective. Tfs!

cbrman (18687) 2008-12-14 2:59

Hello Jack,

Une architecture incroyable ! Tendue vers le ciel. Les bâtisseurs de l'époque étaient de vrai équilibristes ! Les structures de pierre sont fines et démontrent l'ingéniosité des architectes.
C'est superbe !

A+

Dominique

UlfE (8837) 2008-12-14 7:06

Hei Jack,

Wonderful pictue. The lamps on both sides and the illuminated altar make it very attractive. The symmetry is almost perfect and your light mangement is excellent since the light was not perfect and stained glass windows are always difficult to capture. I guess that the camera was hand held here and this makes the picture even more impressive. TFS and have a nice Sunday evening!

Cheers,

Ulf

fayeulle (26541) 2008-12-14 11:45

Hi Jack
Classic POV to shot inside a church. I like the light management. Although I am a French guy I don't know this cathedral. Thanks !
JP

angie-barcelona (1888) 2008-12-15 12:33

Hi Jack,

I like the light and the details of photography. Thank you for your note!

Regards,

Gemma

matthewe (66) 2008-12-15 14:59

Hey Jack,
I do like this shot. It's a beautiful view of some spectacular architecture. Your exposure is also very good and sharp. Perhaps I have some inner ear issues, but the shot appears to be listing ever so slightly to the right and it is just a little distracting. I think a touch of straightening would fix it easily. Well done.

ptibelo (2954) 2009-04-14 14:56

Magnifique par sa dimension et ses couleurs..
Très belle présentation.
JMarie

xuaxo (5635) 2009-06-05 12:36

Hi Jack,
This is as great as a cathedral photo is expected to be. Great view!
Greetings,
Francisco