John Taylor Arms
American, 1887-1953
In Memoriam (The North Portal of Chartres Cathedral), 1939
Etching

Chartres Cathedral is an essential landmark in the history of medieval architecture. Each brick, window and decoration are meticulously captured in this etching with a level of intricacy that appears stunningly photographic. John Taylor Arms considered the North Portal at Chartres to be “man’s supreme spiritual achievement in stone and mortar,” and his etching embodies this perfection. Arms was fascinated by cathedral and church architecture as he traveled extensively throughout Europe documenting these structures. He shared in the long-held belief that cathedrals are constructed as emblems of humanity’s faith and hopes that soar skyward, and so attempted to capture that expression in his etchings.