The Persistent Allure of Gothic Church Architecture: Art, Science, and Popular Piety

This lavishly illustrated presentation will examine the hold that Christian places of worship in the Gothic style continue to maintain on the imaginations of religious and non-religious people alike. Dr. Michael DeSanctis, a JES scholar-in-residence, will describe the synthesis of artistry, science and theology that animated the construction of Gothic churches throughout Europe during the 12^th-16^th centuries, and will offer some explanation of the sometimes surprising ways in which the style makes its presence felt in the architectural landscapes of modern, American cities, including Erie, Pennsylvania.

-Michael E. DeSanctis, Ph.D., JES Scholar-in-Residence