CISTERCIAN ART AND
ARCHITECTURE
. The Cistercians produced art that reflects the purpose of their order, which was to revive
the true spirit of Benedictine monasticism. As eloquently stated by St. Bernard, their
artistic
Fontenay (Côte d’Or), Cistercian
monastery, plan. After Aubert.
ideals focused on simplicity that eschewed excessive richness in materials or decoration.
At the same time, the Cistercians maintained flexibility in their interpretation of these
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