The south aisle
Built after the transept, the south aisle shows signs of an architectural evolution towards greater height and lightness. At the top of the engaged columns of one of the pillars, we discover two capitals that are among the most typical of the Cistercian spirit, without any decoration - not even the sketch of a leaf. However, their surface, treated with two distinct tools, has a different appearance, as if to emphasise the encounter between matter and light [To go further].
The quotation
‘Architecture is the skilful,
correct and magnificent interplay of volumes,
assembled under the light.
Our eyes are made
to see shapes in the light.
[Thus,] the architect's task is
to bring to life the surfaces
that envelop these volumes,
without these surfaces
now parasitic,
devouring the volume
and absorbing it for their own benefit (...)
Let a volume acquire
the splendour of its form
under the light but, on the other hand
adapt the surface
for tasks that are often utilitarian (...)’.
Le Corbusier (1923)
Le Corbusier, Vers une architecture, Paris, G. Crès, [1923], republished Paris, Flammarion, 2008, p. 16 and 25.
The picture
Sober capital of the south aisle
To go further
This absolute simplicity illustrates the very function of the capital, which is to make the transition from the circle of the column to the square that surmounts it; particularly delicate to carve, the transition is nevertheless perfectly achieved here, making each element a work of art with a very contemporary rendering.
In the 12th century, the debate on the relationship between light and matter can be linked to the debate on the modalities and consequences of the Incarnation.
Glossary
Le Corbusier (Charles-Édouard Jeanneret) :
One of the masters of modern architecture (1887-1965), he adopted strictly functional principles and simple, uncluttered geometric forms.
Engaged column :
an engaged column is vertically built into a wall so that one part of is is embedded in the wall, while the other part (often a half) is protruding and visible.
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