Traveling to Chartres, France, we encounter the cathedral where Bernard taught and studied ancient texts.The juxtaposition of a labyrinth (evoking symbolism and meditative practices of ancient and non-Christian origin) embedded in the nave of one of the most important Catholic cathedrals in Medieval France, forced us to reconsider Bernard of Chartre’s verse as both overt and subtle commentary.Joseph Campbell tells us that the labyrinth expresses The Hero’s Adventure:“The labyrinth is thoroughly known; we have only to follow the thread of the hero path.And where we had thought to find an abomination, we shall find a god. And where we had thought to slay another, we shall slay ourselves. And where we had thought to travel outward, we shall come to the center of our own existence. And where we had thought to be alone, we shall be with all the world”.
Acknowledging these two great minds, we present the labyrinth from Chartres Cathedral, surrounded by Bernard of Chartre' famous verse in embroidery, together with a symbol for our individual transformation sprouting from its center.
Fabric Content: 100% Cotton Heavyweight French Terry
