\b0 The great flowering of Gothic art commenced in ╬le-de-France around the middle of the twelfth century
. This typically French style was even called \i Opus francigenum\i0 and produced one of its earliest masterpieces in the clear and robust architecture of the cathedral of Notre-Dame in Laon, built between 1150 and 1225. At the time, it was considered t
he most beautiful cathedral in the West and served, to one degree or another, as a model for those of \b \ATXul1024 \cf4 \ATXht149 Reims\b0 \ATXul0 \cf0 \ATXht0 , \b \ATXul1024 \cf4 \ATXht275 Notre-Dame in Paris\b0 \ATXul0 \cf0 \ATXht0 , and \b \ATXul1024 \cf4 \ATXht129 Chartres\b0 \ATXul0 \cf0 \ATXht0 . It is unusual in having four towers (two at the front and two above the arms of the transept) and remains a model of harmony for its nave and the balance of its construction. And we must not forget its sc
ulptures of oxen that overlook the surroundings from the height of its towers. A homage to nature paid by the masons, who did not forget earthly assets in their tribute to the divine.\par
