The "Early Vaults" of Saint-Etienne at Beauvais
James D. McGee
The church of Saint-Etienne (Saint-Vaast) in Beauvais was much discussed the early literature on medieval architecture, particularly regard to vaults over initial bays nave aisles. have long been considered among earliest rib northern France, although their exact date had never determined. challenge these precisely became critical late 1950s when local excavations under present Late Gothic choir uncovered evidence that original may rib-vaulted as well. This paper analyzes unpublished and implications for extant aisles; it also provides a credible dating vaults. In absence constructional documents, must depend stylistic comparisons correlated with dates major historical incidents would influenced construction church. All factors taken together seem indicate strongly existence fully at unified campaign encompassing this choir, transept, Most significantly, 1070s is suggested thus making them known architecture forcing re-examination structural aspect style 11th century.
Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians