# data[].attributes.headline
Choose any fine art work and briefly explain why you think it is a beautiful work. 

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Choose any fine art work and briefly explain why you think it is a beautiful work. 

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Notre Dame de Paris

Among all the landmarks in Paris, the cathedral which is referred to as the Notre Dame is one of the most famous. This cathedral is known as Notre Dame de Paris or in English “Our Lady of Paris” to many people worldwide. Simply, Notre Dame is one of the famous cathedral because it exhibits great examples when it comes to French Gothic architecture. The cathedral was commissioned by Maurice de Sully dated back in 1163, and was constructed for over two centuries until 1345. By 1991, Notre Dame Cathedral which is located on the Ile de la Cite was added as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Above all, Notre Dame is a catholic church wherein it is a place of Christian worship.

Notre Dame de Paris is very beautiful because it was one of the first Gothic cathedrals. The exterior of the architect shows arched supports known as “flying buttresses” in order to help support exterior walls. Not only that, statues and gargoyles outside the cathedral contributes as an extra column support as well as drainage pipes. In addition, support from the stone enables the main walls of the cathedral in giving a non-structural look.

In the interior, stained glasses located in the area inspires worshippers and helps illuminate the cathedral inside. The construction of the stained glass windows provided more additional Biblical art for the congregation. This gave an awe-inspiring look as windows were enlarged and additional structural support were improved.

In my opinion, the most outstanding artwork in the cathedral were the bells. Some of it are one of the most famous in all of Europe. Located in the north tower of Notre Dame, it can be seen that the cathedral exhibits four large bells. While in the south tower of the cathedral, it is commonly known by many the famous bourdon bell named Emmanuel which weighs over 13 tons. Traditionally, these bells were rung by hand until electric motors were installed in the 20th Century.

For me, Notre Dame de Paris or “Our Lady of Paris” is an art work I found very interested in because it represents a symbolic monument of the French Capital. The architecture is very enduring to witness as it is one of the most celebrated cathedrals in the history of Europe. This famous landmark which was about 850 years old is the heart of Paris City giving an inspired Gothic architecture surrounded by modern buildings. It provided many rich histories long ago, an example is the site of royal weddings, the consecration of Napoleon Bonaparte and many more. Not only that, the famous cathedral is a place for the public to celebrate the lives of great people. During the mid-19th century, major restorations were being made which resulted to drawing millions of tourists a year.

In present day, the cathedral symbolizes political, economic and cultural power worldwide showing it is worthy of a visit. Along the way, the city emerged with Notre Dame’s construction becoming the centerpiece of the cathedral. Unfortunately, a fire incident occurred recently a week ago that brought significant damaged to the construction. As a result, many French people were immensely sad on the cathedral’s destruction. Notre Dame de Paris is a world heritage site to humanity influenced by lots of deep significant cultural history.

REFERENCE LIST

Willsher, K. (2019) Our Lady of Paris: a history of Notre Dame Cathedral, Available at:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/apr/15/our-lady-of-paris-a-history-of-notre-dame-cathedral (Accessed: 18 April 2019).

Notre Dame Cathedral Paris. (2008) Notre Dame Cathedral Facts, Available at:

https://notredamecathedralparis.com/notre-dame-cathedral-facts/ (Accessed: 18 April 2019).

European Architecture Series. (2019) Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, Available at:

http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/architecture/notre-dame-paris.htm (Accessed: 18 April 2019).