The Cathedrals unveiled

Directed by

Christine Le Goff, Gary Glassman

Written by

Christine Le Goff

Produced by

ARTE France, TelFrance, CFRT, Providence Pictures Film

Documentary, France, 2010, 80 min

This was one of the greatest achievements of the Middle Ages. Born in the heart of the kingdom of France, in the middle of the twelfth century, Gothic art has dominated Europe and initiated a revolution in architecture. Its best-known landmark, the cathedral, has transformed the landscape of northern France.

Over the centuries, these huge stone vessels have become so familiar that we think we know everything about their construction. But what do we really know?

For 20 years, a new generation of researchers invested the restoration sites. By sounding out the privacy of stone, glass and fire, these researchers have deciphered the expertise of these "men of the matter", which we had lost track of. As to their findings, they rewrite a story shaking many stereotypes and reveal the secrets of exceptional craftsmen who have left us the best evidence of their science.

Debate with :

• Christine Le Goff, director, producer
• Marc Viré, research engineer, archaeologist INRAP
• Arnaud Timbert, lecturer in Medieval Art History, University Charles de Gaulle, Lille 3