An introduction to Gothic art
Transcript of An introduction to Gothic art
Gothic art
Where and when did gothic art appear?
- Gothic style began in the mid 12th century in France, and then spread all over Europe. This
artistic style was succesful in the continent until the 15th century.
- Romanesque style did not disappear suddenly. Both styles co-existed for a few years, but Gothic
substituted Romanesque little by little.
Gothic art
- Gothic was a urban art. Cities were becoming prosperous when gothic appeared.
- Every city wanted to have its own cathedral, the most characteristic symbol of gothic art.
Cathedrals were symbols of prestige for cities.
Gothic architecture
Main characteristics of gothic architecture
Gothic temples were higher than romanesque temples.
Characteristics of gothic architecture
This was possible thanks to the use of new building techniques.
The use of pointed (or ogival) arches
In order to build the arches, wooden structures called falsework had to be erected. Then, bricks were placed over the falsework, and thus an arch was created.
Arches
The use of ribbed vaults
Thanks to the use of pointed arches and ribbed vaults, walls were
not so important to sustain the weight of the vault as they were during the Romanesque period.
Gothic buildings have many more windows, and thus they are brighter
inside.
Stained glass was inserted in the window panes
White light coming from the sun trespassed the stained glass thus creating an intense atmosphere
inside the temple
Buttresses and counterforts were used on the outside to support the
weight of the vault
At the top of the counterforts, pinnacles were erected as decoration
Gothic cathedral section
Apses were enlarged
There were usually 3 or 4 storeys inside
A rose window covered with stained glass was situated on the facade
Gargoyles were used for getting rid of rainwater, and for decoration
Gothic sculpture
Both reliefs and free-standing sculptures were made
Facades were decorated with reliefs
Capitals...
Tympana
Columns on the facades...
And archivolts
Saints and sinners were represented
Gothic sculptures are more natural and full of expression than Romanesque
Wooden retables were placed behind the altars. This one is in a
convent in Burgos (Cartuja de Miraflores)
Tombs could be very beautiful, too
Gothic paintings
Main characteristics
- Paintings on the walls (al fresco) were not as important as they were in Romanesque.
- Basically, gothic artists painted on wood.
- The main motifs were religious, but portraits were common, too.
- Retables were painted, too.
- And they illustrated religious books.