Who criticized Abbot Suger's elaborate design for St. Denis?
The person who criticized Abbot Suger's elaborate design for St. Denis was the French architect and theorist, Viollet-le-Duc.
To find this information, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by researching information on Abbot Suger's design for St. Denis. St. Denis is a famous medieval abbey church located near Paris, France.
2. Abbot Suger was the initiator of the Gothic architectural style and made significant renovations to St. Denis in the 12th century. His design incorporated innovative features like pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and extensive stained glass windows.
3. While Abbot Suger's design was widely celebrated, it did face criticism from certain quarters.
4. Among those who criticized his design was Viollet-le-Duc. He was a prominent French architect who lived in the 19th century. Viollet-le-Duc believed that the Gothic style had become excessive and ornamental, deviating from its original principles of structural rationality.
5. To validate this information and explore further, you can refer to academic sources, books, or articles on the history of architecture or specifically on St. Denis and its architectural developments.
6. It is always advisable to cross-reference multiple reputable sources to ensure accuracy and a well-rounded understanding of the topic.
By following these steps, you will be able to find information regarding Viollet-le-Duc's criticism of Abbot Suger's elaborate design for St. Denis.