Final answer:
Sainte-Chapelle was built in the 13th century as a royal chapel to hold important Christian relics, fulfilling both ritual needs and symbolizing the French monarchy's political power with its divine architecture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sainte-Chapelle was built in the 13th century to serve as a royal chapel within the palace grounds of the French monarchy, designed specifically to house important relics, including what was believed to be the Crown of Thorns. The construction of this chapel was a statement of both religious devotion and political power, aligning the monarchy with the divine and demonstrating the wealth and influence of the king. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker describe Sainte-Chapelle as a 'jewel box,' highlighting its architectural beauty and the extensive use of stained glass, which bathes the interior in a divine light.
The ritual needs of the monarchy included a designated place for worship and the safekeeping of holy relics, which were essential for asserting the monarchy's divine right to rule. Politically, through its grand design and the display of precious relics, Sainte-Chapelle embodied the power and prestige of the king. Niche spaces for the king and queen, the reliquary, and the visually striking alternations of gables and pinnacles which resemble a crown's points on the chapel's exterior, all reinforce the monarchy's link to religious authority and majesty.