Gravenkapel

In the heart of Kortrijk, Belgium, lies a hidden gem of medieval architecture and historical significance: the Gravenkapel, or the Chapel of the Counts. Nestled at the far end of the Church of Our Lady, this exquisite chapel stands as a testament to the grandeur and piety of the Middle Ages, inviting visitors to step back in time and explore its rich heritage.

The History of Gravenkapel

The Gravenkapel was commissioned by Louis II of Flanders, also known as Louis de Maele, in the 14th century. Completed around 1374, the chapel was dedicated to Saint Catherine, reflecting the Count's devotion to the saint whose feast day coincided with his birthday on November 25th. The chapel was intended to serve as Louis's personal mausoleum, a place of eternal rest and worship.

In a charter dated May 30, 1374, Louis made provisions for the maintenance of the chapel, ensuring that it would be well-supported by chapelains and furnished with the necessary religious artifacts. The overall cost of this endowment amounted to 410 livres parisis, along with 2.5 muids of rye to be converted into bread. Despite his intentions, Louis de Maele was ultimately buried in Lille alongside his wife, Marguerite of Brabant, in 1384.

Architectural Marvel

The Gravenkapel is a stunning example of flamboyant Gothic architecture, characterized by its majestic lines and intricate details. The chapel's design follows a parallelogram layout, measuring 23 meters by 10 meters, and culminates in an eastern apse adorned with three large windows, each divided into three lights. The southern facade features four windows, with the penultimate one being notably larger. It is believed that Louis II's tomb was to be erected in front of this window, at the chapel's center.

On the northern side, a series of half-windows form a delicate screen above the bays that separate the chapel from the choir's ambulatory. Niches line the walls, originally serving as seating for the Count's court during grand ceremonies, adorned with tapestries and cushions. The Count and Countess's tribune, located above the sacristy at the western gable, provided a private vantage point through two door-like openings into the chapel. A grated window at the same height, known as the jubé, allowed the chapel's cantors to observe without being seen.

The chapel's exterior is constructed from Tournai stone, with intricate tracery, pinnacles, gargoyles, and galleries crafted from Baeleghem stone. The masonry is primarily composed of local bricks, showcasing the skill of the finest masons and artists of the time.

The Tomb of Louis de Maele

Although Louis de Maele intended to be interred in the Gravenkapel, his final resting place was in the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter in Lille. His tomb, along with those of his wife and daughter, Marguerite III of Flanders, was a magnificent structure that survived the French Revolution and was later moved to the Museum of Fine Arts in Dijon. The tomb's disappearance around 1830 remains a mystery, but its legacy endures through detailed descriptions in historical texts.

Treasures of the Chapel

Portraits of the Counts

The Gravenkapel's niches were once adorned with portraits of the Counts of Flanders, creating a visual history lesson within its walls. The initial series, painted by Jan van Hasselt, depicted the lineage from Liederic de Buc to Louis de Maele. Subsequent portraits, including those by Melchior Broederlam in 1407, continued the tradition up to Charles V. This collection of effigies offers a captivating glimpse into the region's noble heritage.

The Statue of Saint Catherine

One of the chapel's most remarkable features is the statue of Saint Catherine, crafted by André Beauneveu from white marble. Standing at 1.6 meters, the statue exudes an idealized elegance, with Saint Catherine holding a sword in her right hand and a wheel in her left, symbolizing her martyrdom. The figure of Emperor Maximin, embodying sophistry, corruption, and persecution, lies defeated at her feet.

Sculpted Niches

The chapel's fifty-one niches are adorned with intricately sculpted spandrels, totaling 102 pieces of exquisite craftsmanship. These sculptures depict a variety of scenes, from religious figures like God the Father and the Virgin Mary to mythical creatures such as the unicorn and the lion. Other carvings illustrate scenes from tournaments, legends of saints, and even whimsical grotesques, all attributed to the renowned sculptor André Beauneveu.

Stained Glass Windows

The Gravenkapel's three apse windows are adorned with vibrant stained glass, featuring depictions of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints significant to Flanders' history. The remaining windows showcase intricate foliage designs and the coats of arms of the Counts and their territories. The oculus above the Last Judgment scene bears the emblem of the Holy Trinity and the words of the Apostles' Creed, adding to the chapel's artistic and spiritual ambiance.

In conclusion, the Gravenkapel in Kortrijk is not merely a chapel; it is a treasure trove of history, art, and devotion. Its walls whisper tales of medieval Flanders, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the legacy of the Counts and the enduring beauty of Gothic architecture. A visit to this princely edifice is a journey through time, offering a profound connection to the past and a deeper appreciation for the artistry and piety of an era long gone.