College: Northern French cathedrals

'Travel past dozens of sacred buildings without leaving the city.'

What three (extra long) lectures on: 3, 10 & 17 October 2025, 19:30 - 21:00 (No cultural visits)
Where: Huizumer Church, Huizum Dorp 67, Leeuwarden
Speakers: Krzysztof Dobrowolski-Onclin & Wouter Maas

This course focuses on the big picture as well as lesser-known details. The teacher will not only introduce you to the famous cathedrals of Paris, Amiens, Reims and Chartres. He also highlights the lesser-known houses of worship of Saint-Denis, Saint-Omer and Lille. The course is largely chronological with room for both cross-connections between the buildings and attention to the details in each building.

First lecture: 3 October 2025 | 19:30 - 21:00 | Dorpskerk Huizum

In this episode, you will learn what exactly a cathedral is, what building parts it consists of and how the Gothic originated.

Second lecture: 10 October 2025 | 19:30 - 21:00 | Dorpskerk Huizum

Gothic spread across northern France at lightning speed from the mid-12th century onwards. Why were so many cathedrals built then?

Third lecture: 17 October 2025 | 19:30 - 21:00 | Dorpskerk Huizum 

Statues and windows take centre stage today, as well as cathedrals built or rebuilt after the Middle Ages.

About the speakers:

Krzysztof Dobrowolski-Onclin graduated cum laude in art history and French literature and studied at the universities of Amsterdam, Paris and Krakow. Since 2006, he has taught courses and lectures on art history without limiting himself to a specialism or subject. He was a volunteer at COC Amsterdam for 26 years and was appointed Member in the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2019.

Wouter Maas is an art historian and studied at the University of Amsterdam. Art of the Middle Ages and the early modern period are among his specialisms. He has been working at Bureau Boeiend since September 2021. He is also an editor at The Art Girls, editor-in-chief at Gallery Sorelle Sciarone and a freelance writer.

When does it take place:

3

Friday, 19:30-20:30

03 October 2025 - 17 October 2025

Costs:

Yes, €45

Sign up:

https://generatiehuis.nl/college/noord-franse-kathedralen/