Syllabus
- Gothic Period (12th – 16th century)
Architecture
Sculpture
Painting
- Renaissance-Proto, Early and High.
(Painters and Sculptors)
Gothic Art
Middle of the 12th century in France to the 16th century in Europe
The term ‘Gothic’ was first used by Italians in the sixteenth century to denigrate the pre-Renaissance style.
It is characterized by its ornate and intricate designs, emphasis on verticality, and religious themes.
Gothic art encompassed various forms of visual expression, including architecture, sculpture, painting,
stained glass, and illuminated manuscripts.
Georgio Vasari:
“A reflection of the art invented by the Goths who, having destroyed ancient buildings and slaughtered
their architects in battle, covered vaults with pointed arches and covered Italy with a rash of accursed
buildings of a type that we hope will never again be built.”
Gothic Art
The most representative architect of Gothic architecture is Abbot
Sugar, who designed and oversaw the restoration of Abby buildings
at Saint-Denis just outside Paris in the 12th century.
The main architectural elements in these reconstructions were
pointed arches and vaults.
Sugar became the abbot of St Denis and devoted himself to the
restoration of power to the French Monarchy.
In his writing, Sugar explains the symbolism of each element:
The columns are said to represent the prophets and apostles.
The keystone is the image of the Christ.
The light that filters through the stained glass was meant to show humanity
the way to the true light of God….
Saint-Denis in 1830
Elements of Gothic Architecture:
Rib Vaults
Piers
Flying Buttresses
Pointed Arches
The Skeleton
Stained-Glass Windows
Elements of Gothic Architecture:
Rib Vaults
Elements of Gothic Architecture:
Piers
Elements of Gothic Architecture:
Flying Buttresses
The chevet (east end) of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral.
Its construction spanned two hundred years, beginning in the middle of the 12th
century, with modifications made in the 18th century and a major restoration
project carried out in the 19th century.
Elements of Gothic Architecture:
Skeletal Structure
Gothic architecture is referred to as "skeletal"
because its structural elements, like flying
buttresses and ribbed vaults, are prominently
visible and form part of the aesthetic design.
This visibility contrasts with earlier architectural
styles, where structures were concealed.
Gloucester Cathedral, England.
Construction of the cloisters began around 1351 and was completed by Abbot Froucester
before 1412.
It features the earliest surviving example of fan-vaulted ceilings in the world.
Elements of Gothic Architecture:
Pointed Arches
The interior of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
Elements of Gothic Architecture:
Stained Glass
Romanesque Art Gothic Art
10th -12th century Mid 12th – 16th Century
Characterized by thick walls, rounded arches, and small It is known for its soaring height, pointed arches, ribbed vaults,
windows. and flying buttresses that allow for taller and more open interior
The Abbey of Saint-Étienne in Caen, France, showcases typical spaces.
Romanesque features with its robust walls and rounded arches. Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is a quintessential example of
Gothic architecture, featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and
flying buttresses.
Romanesque Art Gothic Art
10th -12th century Mid 12th – 16th Century
Romanesque Art Gothic Art
10th -12th century Mid 12th – 16th Century
Relies on small windows with thick walls, resulting in limited Utilizes large stained-glass windows and expansive clerestories to
natural light and a darker interior. flood interiors with colorful light, creating a mystical atmosphere.
The interior of Durham Cathedral in England demonstrates the The Sainte-Chapelle in Paris is renowned for its intricate stained-
subdued lighting characteristic of Romanesque architecture. glass windows that illuminate the interior with vibrant colors.
Romanesque Art Gothic Art
10th -12th century Mid 12th – 16th Century
Decorative elements are generally less elaborate, with emphasis on Characterized by elaborate ornamentation, intricate stone carvings, and
geometric patterns, simple sculptures, and carved capitals. sculptural details reflecting religious narratives and natural motifs.
The Church of St. Trophime in Arles, France, features Romanesque The façade of Reims Cathedral in France is adorned with intricate stone
sculptures and modest ornamentation on its façade and interior. carvings depicting biblical scenes and figures, showcasing Gothic decorative
elements.
Romanesque Art Gothic Art
10th -12th century Mid 12th – 16th Century
Often built as fortifications or monastic complexes, reflecting the religious Designed to inspire awe and convey spiritual transcendence, with
and defensive needs of the time. architectural elements symbolizing heavenly aspirations and the glory of
God.
The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore in Verona, Italy, was originally
constructed as a Romanesque-style basilica to serve both religious and Chartres Cathedral in France exemplifies the Gothic pursuit of height and
defensive purposes. light to symbolize the divine and evoke a sense of awe in worshippers.
St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh
Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire
King’s College Chapel, Cambridge
York Minster, Yorkshire