Classes to focus on art and architecture of cathedral

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SALT LAKE CITY — The art and architecture of the Cathedral of the Madeleine will be the topic of a series of four classes this month.

The series, presented by art historian Martha Seiner, will include lectures and slide presentations focusing on the history of Christian art and architecture, including paintings, sculptures and stained-glass windows.

Seiner, who holds a Master of Arts degree, put the series together because “the history of the art and architecture of the Cathedral of the Madeleine is connected to a rich body of art  history literature from the Early Christian era through the Renaissance,” she said.

Her presentations will go from the Early Christian era to the Renaissance, with particular emphasis on how the decorative elements of the cathedral reflect the influences of the past, she said. “Very few people are knowledgeable about these historical connections. … Passing on that knowledge from one generation to another is critical.”

The first three classes will be lectures and presentations, “with particular emphasis on how the decorative elements of the cathedral are descended from that past,” said Seiner, who has been a cathedral parishioner for 30 years.

The fourth session will be a tour of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, “which will bring everything into full context,” she said.

The series is free and open to the public.

“Those who attend the classes have an opportunity to join the small group of docents who provide free weekly tours of the cathedral after the 11 a.m. Mass. “We are hopeful that the classes will inspire some to share their new understanding of the cathedral with others,” Seiner said.

To register for the classes or for information, contact mseiner@aol.com with the subject cm classes.

WHAT: History of the art and architecture  of the Cathedral of the Madeleine

WHEN: Tuesdays, Sept. 10-24, 6:30- 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Cathedral of the Madeleine’s  Scanlan Hall, 309 E. South Temple, SLC

The final class, a tour of the cathedral, will be Sunday, Sept. 29 at 12:15 p.m.

To register or for information, contact mseiner@aol.com with the subject cm classes.