Throughout history, humans have created magnificent works of art. The Colosseum in Rome and the Statue of Liberty in New York are all evidence of the extraordinary and celebrated work of art that humanity has been able to create over the course of several years. Now, I want to talk about another famous work of art that was quite popular in the medieval period, Gothic architecture. During the medieval period Gothic architecture was considered luxurious due to the exaggerated height given to the buildings. Not only did it give height, but it also had many other features such as the pointed arch, the vaulted ceiling and, of course, many windows where light could pass through. For the historic statesman, Abbot Suger, light was important. He believed that light was a connection from heaven to Earth. The more light, the better. It was thanks to Abbot Suger that the admired Gothic style began along with much of its artistic program from about 1125 to 1144 (Inventing the Exegetical Stain-Glass Window: Suger, Hugh, and a New Elite Art, par 1). However, not everyone agreed with this extravagant style. When the Gothic cathedrals began to be built, the French abbot Bernard of Clairvaux issued his opinion. He explained that he saw no need to be so extravagant when the money going to those glittering churches could be put to a better use, to the poor. I agree with Bernard; you don't need to be fancy when adorning cathedrals if there are better uses for that money. The other important features of Gothic cathedrals were large stained windows, Rosette windows, spiers and gargoyles (Sancho-Velasquez 2014). Suger's defensive argument about the elaborate features of Gothic cathedrals was: "Everything that is most valuable should be used above... in the center of the card... I believe the criticism he leveled at Suger. Suger only cared about how powerful and powerful he wanted them to look like Gothic cathedrals. He never stopped and realized that there is no need to be so extravagant with cathedrals because it is not worth it there really is a need to go a step further and cover the cathedrals with expensive works of art. This is the purpose of sacred cathedrals. Duby, Georges Chicago: University of Chicago, 1983. Print.Rudolph, Conrad. the exegetical window: Suger, Hugh and a new elite art." Art Bulletin 93.4 (2011): 399-422. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 March 2014. Sancho-Velasquez, Angeles. "The Gothic Riddle: Spirit and Matter." PowerPoint presentation. California State University, Fullerton. Fullerton, California. Spring 2014.