The Cistercians had few such diversions, but the simplicity of their buildings and
of their clothing also had its beauty. Illuminated by the pure white light that came
through clear glass windows, Cistercian churches were luminous, cool, and serene.
Plate 5.9 shows the nave of Fontenay Abbey, begun in 1139. There are no wall
paintings, no sculpture, no incised pillars. Yet the subtle play of thick piers and thin
columns along with the alternation of curved and linear capitals lends the church a
sober charm.
