George Forsyth Journals Item Set

Church of St. Martin, Angers, France drawn by George Forsyth

Elevation of short side and towers, Church of St. Martin, Angers, France drawn by George Forsyth, ca. 1930

12th century statues originally on colonnettes in choir and apse of St. Martin

Cloister Trench1, west wall of trench stratification

Pages of Forsyth field notebook, Vol. II, showing Cloister Trench1, showing west wall of trench stratification

Close up detail of Virgin and Child statue.

A black and white photo. A close up image of the head of the Virgin and Child statue.

Cover of George Forsyth field notebook, vol. II

Image of the Cover of shared notebook between George Forsyth and W. G. Campbell.

Drawing #7" - measured drawing of Church of St. Martin in Angers, France by George Forsyth

Side view architectural drawing of Church of St. Martin in Angers, France with measurements and notes.

Elevation of long side and entrance, Church of St. Martin, Angers, France drawn by George Forsyth

Architectural drawing of elevation of long side and entrance, Church of St. Martin, Angers, France drawn by George Forsyth, ca. 1930

Excavation Sites Image

Photo of world map with location of two main excavation sites.

George Forsyth and Group of men dockside, Suez, 1958

This photograph captures George Forsyth standing with a group of men at the docks in Suez during the 1958 Mount Sinai expedition. Forsyth, dressed in light-colored attire and holding a pipe, is positioned in the center of the group. Surrounding him are local workers and expedition members, along with a donkey pulling a cart laden with equipment and supplies. Stacked crates marked with shipping labels are visible in the background, emphasizing the logistical efforts involved in the expedition. The image documents a moment of collaboration and preparation, highlighting the intersection of cultural exchange and academic exploration.

George Forsyth at work inside St. Catherine Monastery.

George Forsyth on mountainside

George Forsyth and an unidentified woman are pictured on a mountainside during the Mount Sinai expedition. Forsyth is seated on a rocky ledge, dressed in expedition attire, while the woman stands beside a towering cypress tree, leaning casually against its trunk. The rugged granite rocks in the background emphasize the harsh and dramatic environment of the Sinai Peninsula, underscoring the challenging terrain navigated during their research. This photograph documents a moment from their expedition.

Interior of church, section and north wall

This is a detailed longitudinal section drawing of the basilica at the Monastery of St. Catherine, Mount Sinai. Created by George H. Forsyth, the drawing represents a precise architectural cross-section of the church, showcasing its structural and spatial design. The section illustrates the basilica’s interior, with prominent architectural elements such as the arcade of arches supported by columns. Above the arches, a clerestory with rectangular windows allows light to penetrate the upper part of the nave, emphasizing the verticality of the space. The drawing highlights the layering of architectural features, including the curved apse at the far left and the stepped entrance at the far right. The thickness of the walls is indicated in solid black, providing clarity on the structural composition. Additional details include the capitals of the columns, varying in design, and the overall symmetry of the basilica’s layout. The note at the bottom specifies the orientation ("West" to "East"), which helps contextualize the spatial arrangement relative to the basilica’s liturgical function. This drawing, identified as "drawing no. 637," is a significant part of the Ilene H. Forsyth collection, which documents George H. Forsyth's scholarly and artistic study of this historic site. (Ilene H. Forsyth with Elizabeth Sears, “George H. Forsyth and the Sacred Fortress at Sinai,” Architecture, Dumbarton Oaks Papers, vol. 70, 2016, 124).

Landscape surrounding St. Catherine monastery on Mt. Sinai

This [sequential] image provides a sweeping view of the dramatic landscape surrounding the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai. Nestled at the base of a steep valley, the monastery appears as a small, fortified structure, dwarfed by the towering granite mountains. The barren, rugged terrain underscores the site's isolation and the challenges faced by its monastic community. The monastery’s remote location and enduring architectural presence underscore its historical and spiritual significance. This perspective vividly illustrates the interplay between human resilience and the harsh, majestic environment of the Sinai Peninsula. A broader context for this view can be found in Forsyth and Weitzmann’s work, where it introduces the series of Plates.

Moving supplies and equipment up the walls of St. Catherine Monastery

Supplies and equipment for the Mt. Sinai expedition are hoisted up the fortification walls of St. Catherine Monastery. Originally this hoist was the only means of entrance.

Nave of church from narthex

This image captures the interior nave of the church as viewed from the narthex: Six-century nave arcades, walls, carvings on ceiling beams and portal (Forsyth and Weitzmann: Plate XLIII). The ornate wooden doors frame the entrance, leading the viewer into a richly decorated space. The nave features a stunning marble floor with intricate geometric patterns, flanked by rows of wooden seating. The ceiling displays a coffered design, adding depth and elegance to the interior. At the far end, the iconostasis—adorned with icons, crosses, and chandeliers—dominates the scene, emphasizing the sacred focal point of the church. The combination of Byzantine craftsmanship and liturgical design elements reflects the spiritual and artistic significance of this historic space, likely located within the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai.

Photographing section of ceiling at St. Catherine monastery

A man is seen standing on scaffolding inside Saint Catherine Monastery, photographing a section of the ceiling adorned with intricate religious frescoes. The scaffold allows him to closely capture the details of the artwork, which features depictions of saints and biblical scenes. The surrounding architectural elements, including arched windows and a richly decorated canopy, frame the scene, highlighting the monastery's historical and artistic significance. This image documents the meticulous effort involved in preserving and studying the intricate artistry of this ancient site.

St. Martin Architectural Details

Photos of architectural details inside St. Martin including sculptures, apses, and windows.

St. Martin from the northeast.

Black and white photo taken on St. Martin during excavation.

St. Martin, 14th century wall painting, depicting Massacre of the Innocents

14th century wall painting, depicting Massacre of the Innocents, St. Martin.

St. Martin's. Reconstruction of old building at north end of transept

Image of St. Martin's. Reconstruction of old building at north end of transept in 1924. On right are remains of chapter house.

Statue of Virgin and Child

A statue of the Virgin and Child found during the excavations at St. Martins.

Supplies and equipment for the Mt. Sinai expedition are hoisted up on pulley system.

This image depicts supplies and equipment for the Mount Sinai expedition being hoisted up the fortification walls of Saint Catherine Monastery using a pulley system. Historically, this hoist served as the sole means of entrance to the monastery, emphasizing the site's seclusion and security. Several individuals are seen coordinating the process, with a truck parked below, laden with additional materials. The scene captures a moment of logistical effort, blending modern tools with the ancient architectural backdrop of the monastery’s walls. This illustrates both the challenges of accessing this remote site and the ingenuity employed to overcome them.

View on grounds of monastery compound, Mt. Sinai

The image depicts the west façade of the Church of the Transfiguration within the Saint Catherine Monastery compound at Mount Sinai. The structure includes a three-story campanile, or bell tower, adjacent to the main church building, with a portal at the bottom leading to the interior. As noted by Forsyth and Weitzmann, this site represents a remarkable example of Byzantine monastic architecture. The monastery, established during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, was designed to serve both as a place of worship and as a fortress, safeguarding its sacred treasures and monastic community. Forsyth and Weitzmann emphasize the monastery's strategic location. Situated in the rugged terrain of the Sinai Peninsula, it symbolizes the union of spiritual seclusion and defensive necessity, with towering granite mountains providing natural isolation and protection. The stone construction of the church and its campanile reflects the durability and simplicity characteristic of early Byzantine architectural techniques. The bell tower, added in the 19th century, maintains harmony with the monastery's original design and highlights its enduring spiritual and functional vitality. The façade visible in this image, with its small, arched windows and cross-adorned gable, embodies a balance between utilitarian fortification and sacred aesthetic values. This view not only illustrates the architectural significance of the monastery but also underscores its long-standing role as a spiritual sanctuary. The reference to Plate XXV in Forsyth and Weitzmann's book situates this specific perspective within their comprehensive photographic documentation, further underscoring its architectural and historical importance.

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