Christian Klosterkötter

Die Kapelle von Jean Forget in der Kathedrale von Toul 
Bauforschung und architekturhistorische Analyse

RWTH-Aachen Sommersemester 2024
The chapel of Canon Jean Forget in Toul Cathedral is considered by many to be one of the most significant masterpieces of Lorraine Renaissance architecture and is still partially preserved in its original condition. It is an annex that was added to the south side of the cathedral in the mid-16th century. In addition to its role as a chapel for the cathedral's clergy, it was also the burial chapel of its namesake founder, Jean Forget. The small chapel, with its square floor plan, is accessed via a staircase under a monumental portal from the south aisle and is particularly famous for its octagonal coffered dome, one of the earliest north of the Alps. Furthermore, it is in Lorraine and the surrounding regions one of the first examples of the use of the Serliana motif. 

As the second annex in Renaissance architectural style alongside the even better-known burial chapel of the bishops of Toul on the north side of the cathedral, it has received less attention than the latter to date. Although Jean Forget's chapel has been the subject of several scientific studies, there is as yet no comprehensive work that combines and analyzes in depth the knowledge about the building. This master's thesis provides a comprehensive overview of the architecture, construction history, and current condition of the chapel. Fundamental questions such as the proportions of the wall structure and its references, the construction of the dome, and the portal are discussed in depth. In addition, the work examines the two-story structure of the building and its restoration history, aspects that have hardly been studied to date.

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