Architecture of Silence: Cistercian Abbeys of France

by Terryl N. Kinder, David Heald (Photographer)

Almost one hundred tritone photographs mark an exploration of the aesthetic and religious impact and artistic beauty of the Cistercian Abbeys of France, which date from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries and demonstrate an unsurpassed mastery of awe-inspiring architectural form.

Genres: Photography, History, Architecture, Nonfiction

152 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

Reviews

[Malachi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it while simultaneously discussing and being introduced to it by a very Dear Friend.
I'd never heard of this style or part of Western history.
The intentionality of this design and aesthetic is really interesting.
Very good, applicable, and relevant title, which I always really appreciate;
captures exactly what the book and this architecture and the culture behind it are all about.
Reading a couple more on the same topic here over the next few days;
Appropriate and appreciated during Winter and at the turning of the Solstice.
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ONLY observation otherwise: the photos are all in the black and white/" tritone" style (looks almost sepia), which appropriately captures the simplistic aesthetic, but I was shown some color photos from the Dear Friend that he took personally, and it's much warmer - and much more inviting - in color than in black and white.
I get that the Black and White offers the contrast of lighting and shadow, but I think there's a way to do that with color images as well.
The next 2 books are color, which I look forward to seeing.
Again, I think the color will add much more depth to the scenes, and much more warmth, invitation, and drawing one in to the scenes and settings.

[Bowen Supple · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rule of Saint Benedict is a way of life that is distant from anything we are familiar with today. It’s a mix of both overwhelming devotion and austerity. The concept of the Rule is explained thoroughly in the introduction to this book, and it beautifully transitions into the visual analysis of Cistercian abbey architecture, an architecture of “silence.” The author does a great job paving the intersection between the Rule and the architectural characteristics, but also the history and background on the evolution of religion in France is fascinating and very well written. The introduction has a very calm and intriguing style to it and it succinctly laid the foundation of what you need to know to fully appreciate the rest of the book, which contains about a hundred images of Cistercian abbeys across France taken by the author. This book is fantastic because it provides a solid history and visual analysis on a style of architecture which goes unappreciated and misunderstood in today’s world. I’m grateful to have read this book because I think it will allow me to begin visiting Cistercian abbeys with a far greater appreciation for the meaning behind their style.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful.