Gothic ArchitectureGothic Architecture

Prepared byPrepared by

Arch. Maria Mynn Porciuncula-AlfonsoArch. Maria Mynn Porciuncula-Alfonso

Gothic architectureGothic architecture

is a style of is a style of architecturearchitecture which flourished in Europe which flourished in Europe during the high and late during the high and late medieval periodmedieval period. It was . It was preceded by preceded by Romanesque architectureRomanesque architecture and was succeeded by and was succeeded by Renaissance architectureRenaissance architecture..

Originating in 12th century France and lasting Originating in 12th century France and lasting into the 16th century, Gothic architecture was into the 16th century, Gothic architecture was known during the period as known during the period as "the French "the French Style"Style" ( (Opus FrancigenumOpus Francigenum), ),

with the term with the term GothicGothic first appearing during first appearing during the latter part of the the latter part of the RenaissanceRenaissance as a stylistic as a stylistic insultinsult. Its characteristic features include the . Its characteristic features include the pointed archpointed arch, the , the ribbed vaultribbed vault and the and the flying buttressflying buttress..

Abbot SugerAbbot Suger

Abbot Abbot SugerSuger, friend and confidante of the French , friend and confidante of the French Kings, Kings, Louis VILouis VI and and Louis VIILouis VII, decided in about 1127, , decided in about 1127, to to rebuild the greatrebuild the great Church of Saint-DenisChurch of Saint-Denis,, attached to an abbey which was also a royal attached to an abbey which was also a royal residence.residence.

Suger began with the Suger began with the West frontWest front,, reconstructing reconstructing the original Carolingian facade with its single door. the original Carolingian facade with its single door. He designed the façade of Saint-Denis to be an echo He designed the façade of Saint-Denis to be an echo of the Roman of the Roman Arch of ConstantineArch of Constantine with its three-part with its three-part division and three large portals to ease the problem division and three large portals to ease the problem of congestion. The of congestion. The rose windowrose window is the earliest- is the earliest-known example above the West portal in France.known example above the West portal in France.

Abbey of St Denis

Abbot SugerAbbot Suger

Leaving the Carolingian nave in use, Abbot Suger moved on Leaving the Carolingian nave in use, Abbot Suger moved on to the to the eastern endeastern end.. Inspired to create a physical Inspired to create a physical representation of the Heavenly representation of the Heavenly JerusalemJerusalem,, Suger designed Suger designed a a choirchoir (chancel) (chancel) that would be suffused with light. To that would be suffused with light. To achieve his aim, he drew on the several new features which achieve his aim, he drew on the several new features which evolved or been introduced to Romanesque architecture, evolved or been introduced to Romanesque architecture,

the pointed arch, the ribbed the pointed arch, the ribbed vaultvault, the , the ambulatory with radiating chapels, the ambulatory with radiating chapels, the clustered columns supporting ribs springing clustered columns supporting ribs springing in different directions and the flying in different directions and the flying buttresses which enabled the insertion of buttresses which enabled the insertion of large large clerestoreyclerestorey windows. windows. In combining all these In combining all these features within a single structure, Abbot Suger literally features within a single structure, Abbot Suger literally inventedinvented Gothic architecture. Gothic architecture.

Abbot SugerAbbot Suger

The new structure was finished and The new structure was finished and dedicated on dedicated on June 11June 11, , 11441144, in the presence , in the presence of the King. The Abbey of Saint-Denis thus of the King. The Abbey of Saint-Denis thus became the became the proto-type proto-type for further building for further building in the royal domain of northern France. A in the royal domain of northern France. A hundred years later, the old nave of Saint-hundred years later, the old nave of Saint-Denis was rebuilt in the Gothic style, Denis was rebuilt in the Gothic style, gaining, in its transepts, two spectacular gaining, in its transepts, two spectacular rose windowsrose windows..[13][13]

Through the rule of the Through the rule of the AngevinAngevin dynasty dynasty, , the style was introduced to England and the style was introduced to England and spread throughout France, the spread throughout France, the Low CountriesLow Countries, , GermanyGermany, , SpainSpain and and northern of northern of ItalyItaly and and SicilySicily..[6][6][8][8]

Characteristic FeaturesCharacteristic Features

Its characteristic features include the Its characteristic features include the pointed archpointed arch, the , the ribbed vaultribbed vault and the and the flying buttressflying buttress..

ArchArchFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An An archarch is a curved structure capable of is a curved structure capable of

spanningspanning a space while supporting a space while supporting significant weight (e.g. a doorway in a significant weight (e.g. a doorway in a stone stone wallwall). The arch appeared in ). The arch appeared in MesopotamiaMesopotamia, , Indus Valley civilizationIndus Valley civilization, , EgyptEgypt, , AssyriaAssyria, , EtruriaEtruria, and later refined in , and later refined in Ancient RomeAncient Rome. The arch became an . The arch became an important technique in important technique in cathedralcathedral building building and is still used today in some modern and is still used today in some modern structures such as structures such as bridgesbridges..

A masonry ARCH1. Keystone 2. Voussoir 3. Extrados 4. Impost 5. Intrados 6. Rise

7. Clear span 8. Abutment

The so-called Roman arch is semicircular, and The so-called Roman arch is semicircular, and built from an odd number of arch bricks built from an odd number of arch bricks (called (called voussoirsvoussoirs). You need an odd number ). You need an odd number of bricks for there to be a of bricks for there to be a capstonecapstone or or keystonekeystone. This the topmost stone in the arch. . This the topmost stone in the arch. An Arch's shape is the simplest to build, but An Arch's shape is the simplest to build, but not the strongest. There is a tendency for the not the strongest. There is a tendency for the sides to bulge outwards, which must be sides to bulge outwards, which must be counteracted by an added weight of counteracted by an added weight of masonrymasonry to push them inwards. The semicircular arch to push them inwards. The semicircular arch can be flattened to make an can be flattened to make an ellipticalelliptical arch. arch. The Romans used this type of semicircular The Romans used this type of semicircular arch freely in many of their secular structures arch freely in many of their secular structures such as aqueducts, palaces and such as aqueducts, palaces and amphitheaters.amphitheaters.

The semicircular arch was followed in Europe by the The semicircular arch was followed in Europe by the pointed pointed Gothic archGothic arch or or ogiveogive, whose centreline , whose centreline more closely followed the forces of compression more closely followed the forces of compression and which was therefore stronger. This design had and which was therefore stronger. This design had been used by the Assyrians as early as 722 BC. The been used by the Assyrians as early as 722 BC. The parabolicparabolic and and catenarycatenary arches are now known to be arches are now known to be the theoretically strongest forms. A parabolic arch the theoretically strongest forms. A parabolic arch was introduced in the was introduced in the Ponte Santa Ponte Santa TrinitàTrinità, Florence, , Florence, constructed by the architect constructed by the architect BartolomeoBartolomeo AmmanatiAmmanati from 1567 to 1569. Parabolic arches were from 1567 to 1569. Parabolic arches were introduced in construction by the introduced in construction by the Spanish architectSpanish architect AntoniAntoni GaudíGaudí, who admired the structural system of , who admired the structural system of Gothic styleGothic style, but for the buttresses, that were , but for the buttresses, that were designated by him “architectural designated by him “architectural crutchescrutches”. The ”. The catenary and parabolic arches carry all horizontal catenary and parabolic arches carry all horizontal thrust to the foundation and so do not need thrust to the foundation and so do not need additional elements.additional elements.

The horseshoe arch is based on the semicircular The horseshoe arch is based on the semicircular arch, but its lower ends are extended further arch, but its lower ends are extended further round the circle until they start to converge. The round the circle until they start to converge. The first examples known are carved into rock in India first examples known are carved into rock in India in the first century AD, while the first known built in the first century AD, while the first known built horseshoe arches are known from horseshoe arches are known from AksumAksum (modern day (modern day EthiopiaEthiopia and and EritreaEritrea) from around ) from around the 3rd–4th century, around the same time as the the 3rd–4th century, around the same time as the earliest contemporary examples in earliest contemporary examples in SyriaSyria, , suggesting either an Aksumite or Syrian origin for suggesting either an Aksumite or Syrian origin for the type of arch.the type of arch.[1][1] It was used in Spanish It was used in Spanish Visigothic architecture, Visigothic architecture, Islamic architectureIslamic architecture and and mudéjarmudéjar architecture architecture, as in the Great , as in the Great MosqueMosque of of DamascusDamascus and in later and in later MoorishMoorish buildings. It was buildings. It was used for decoration rather than for strength.used for decoration rather than for strength.

ConstructionConstruction An arch requires all of its elements to hold it An arch requires all of its elements to hold it

together, raising the question of how an arch is together, raising the question of how an arch is constructed. One answer is to build a frame constructed. One answer is to build a frame (historically, of wood) which exactly follows the (historically, of wood) which exactly follows the form of the underside of the arch. This is known form of the underside of the arch. This is known as a centre or as a centre or centringcentring. The . The voussoirsvoussoirs are laid on are laid on it until the arch is complete and self-supporting. it until the arch is complete and self-supporting. For an arch higher than head height, scaffolding For an arch higher than head height, scaffolding would in any case be required by the builders, so would in any case be required by the builders, so the scaffolding can be combined with the arch the scaffolding can be combined with the arch support. Occasionally arches would fall down support. Occasionally arches would fall down when the frame was removed if construction or when the frame was removed if construction or planning had been incorrect. (The planning had been incorrect. (The A85A85 bridge at bridge at Dalmally, Scotland suffered this fate on its first Dalmally, Scotland suffered this fate on its first attempt, in the 1940s). The interior and lower line attempt, in the 1940s). The interior and lower line or curve of an arch is known as the or curve of an arch is known as the intradosintrados..

Old arches sometimes need reinforcement due to Old arches sometimes need reinforcement due to decay of the keystones, known as decay of the keystones, known as bald archbald arch..

Pointed ArchPointed Arch

The following gallery shows examples of arch forms displayed in roughly the order in which they were developed.

                                                 

Triangular Arch

Round Arch orSemi-circular Arch

Unequal Round Arch orRampant round Arch

Segmented Arch

          

                  

Shouldered flat arch `

Three Foilded Cusped ArchShouldred Flat Arch

Lancet Arch Equilateral Pointed Arch

Parabolic or Catenary Arch

Horeshoe ArchThree-centered Arch

Ogee Arch Reverse Ogee Arch

EllipticalArch

Tudor Arch

InflexedArch

Pointed ArchPointed Arch

Ribbed VaultRibbed Vault

Pointed ArchPointed Arch

The initiation and propagation of this design The initiation and propagation of this design element is strongly associated with element is strongly associated with EnglandEngland..

A A fan vaultfan vault is a form of is a form of vaultvault used in the used in the Perpendicular GothicPerpendicular Gothic style, in which the ribs are all style, in which the ribs are all of the same curve and spaced equidistantly, in a of the same curve and spaced equidistantly, in a manner resembling a manner resembling a fanfan..

The earliest example, dating from about the year The earliest example, dating from about the year 13511351,,[1][1] may be seen in the south walk of the may be seen in the south walk of the cloisters of cloisters of Gloucester CathedralGloucester Cathedral,,[2][2] built by built by Thomas of CambridgeThomas of Cambridge. In the fourteenth century . In the fourteenth century the structure was known as the the structure was known as the Abbey ChurchAbbey Church at at GloucesterGloucester. A fine later example, from . A fine later example, from 16401640, is the , is the vault over the staircase at vault over the staircase at Christ ChurchChrist Church in in OxfordOxford. . The largest fan vault in the world, however, can be The largest fan vault in the world, however, can be found in the chapel of found in the chapel of King's College, CambridgeKing's College, Cambridge..

Sexpartite vaultSexpartite vaultFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sexpartite vaultSexpartite vault, in , in architecturearchitecture, is a name given to the , is a name given to the single single baybay of a of a vaultvault, which, in addition to the transverse , which, in addition to the transverse and diagonal ribs, has been divided by a second transverse and diagonal ribs, has been divided by a second transverse rib, forming six compartments.rib, forming six compartments.

The principal examples are those in the The principal examples are those in the Abbaye-aux-HommesAbbaye-aux-Hommes and and AbbayeAbbaye-aux-Dames-aux-Dames at at CaenCaen (which were probably the earliest examples of a (which were probably the earliest examples of a construction now looked upon as transitional), construction now looked upon as transitional), Notre Dame de ParisNotre Dame de Paris, and the cathedrals of , and the cathedrals of BourgesBourges, , LaonLaon, , NoyonNoyon, , SenlisSenlis and and SensSens; from the latter cathedral the ; from the latter cathedral the sexpartite vault was brought by sexpartite vault was brought by William of William of SensSens to to Canterbury, and it is afterwards found at Lincoln and in St Canterbury, and it is afterwards found at Lincoln and in St Faith's Chapel, Faith's Chapel, Westminster AbbeyWestminster Abbey..

[[editedit] See also] See also

A A groin vaultgroin vault or or groined vaultgroined vault (also (also sometimes known as a sometimes known as a double barrel vaultdouble barrel vault or or cross vaultcross vault) is a ) is a vaultvault produced by the produced by the intersection at intersection at right anglesright angles of two of two barrel vaultsbarrel vaults. . Sometimes the Sometimes the archesarches of groin vaults are pointed of groin vaults are pointed instead of round (See image of the Gårdslösa instead of round (See image of the Gårdslösa Church below). In comparison with a Church below). In comparison with a barrel vaultbarrel vault, , a groin vault provides good economies of material a groin vault provides good economies of material and labour. The and labour. The thrustthrust is concentrated along the is concentrated along the groins or groins or arrisesarrises (the four diagonal edges formed (the four diagonal edges formed along the points where the barrel vaults along the points where the barrel vaults intersect), so the vault need only be intersect), so the vault need only be abuttedabutted at its at its four corners.four corners.

Groin vaultGroin vault construction was first exploited construction was first exploited by the by the RomansRomans, but then fell into relative , but then fell into relative obscurity in Europe until the resurgence of quality obscurity in Europe until the resurgence of quality stone building brought about by stone building brought about by CarolingianCarolingian and and Romanesque architectureRomanesque architecture. It reached its ultimate . It reached its ultimate expression in the expression in the gothic architecturegothic architecture of the middle of the middle ages. Difficult to construct neatly because of the ages. Difficult to construct neatly because of the geometry of the cross groins (usually elliptical in geometry of the cross groins (usually elliptical in cross section), the groin vault required great skill cross section), the groin vault required great skill in cutting stone to form a neat arris. This difficulty, in cutting stone to form a neat arris. This difficulty, in addition to the formwork required to construct in addition to the formwork required to construct such constructions, led to the such constructions, led to the rib vaultrib vault superseding the groin vault as the preferred superseding the groin vault as the preferred solution for enclosing space in gothic architecture.solution for enclosing space in gothic architecture.[1][1]

The construction method was particularly common The construction method was particularly common on the on the basementbasement level, such as at level, such as at MyresMyres Castle Castle in in ScotlandScotland, or at the ground floor level for the , or at the ground floor level for the storerooms as at storerooms as at MuchallsMuchalls Castle Castle in Scotland. in Scotland.[2][2]

Fan Vault

Fan Vault

The initiation and propagation of this design element is strongly associated with England. A fan vault is a form of vault used in the Perpendicular Gothic style, in which the ribs are all of the same curve and spaced equidistantly, in a manner resembling a fan.The earliest example, dating from about the year 1351,[1] may be seen in the south walk of the cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral,[2] built by Thomas of Cambridge. In the fourteenth century the structure was known as the Abbey Church at Gloucester. A fine later example, from 1640, is the vault over the staircase at Christ Church in Oxford. The largest fan vault in the world, however, can be found in the chapel of King's College, Cambridge.

Comparison with other vault designsComparison with other vault designs A groin vault viewed from the underside, showing the A groin vault viewed from the underside, showing the arrisarris

or 'groin'.or 'groin'. Plan of the vault from above showing resultant outward Plan of the vault from above showing resultant outward

thrust.thrust. Vault from above.Vault from above. The construction of a groin vault can be understood most The construction of a groin vault can be understood most

simply by visualising two barrel vault sections at right simply by visualising two barrel vault sections at right angles merging to form a squarish unit. The resulting four angles merging to form a squarish unit. The resulting four ribs convey the stress loading to the four corners, or piers.ribs convey the stress loading to the four corners, or piers.[4][4] The more complex groin vault is intrinsically a stronger The more complex groin vault is intrinsically a stronger design compared to the design compared to the barrel vaultbarrel vault, since the barrel vault , since the barrel vault structure must rest on long walls creating less stable structure must rest on long walls creating less stable lateral stress, whereas the groin vault design can direct lateral stress, whereas the groin vault design can direct stresses almost purely vertically on the piers.stresses almost purely vertically on the piers.[5][5] A common A common association of vaulting in cathedrals of the Middle Ages association of vaulting in cathedrals of the Middle Ages involves a involves a navenave of barrel vault design with of barrel vault design with transeptstransepts of of groined vaulting.groined vaulting.[6][6] The The fan vaultfan vault is similar to the groin is similar to the groin vault in theory, but has a much more elaborate splaying of vault in theory, but has a much more elaborate splaying of multiple ribs emanating from each springer, either multiple ribs emanating from each springer, either decoratively or structurally.decoratively or structurally.

Comparison with other vault designsComparison with other vault designs A groin vault viewed from the underside, showing the A groin vault viewed from the underside, showing the arrisarris

or 'groin'.or 'groin'. Plan of the vault from above showing resultant outward Plan of the vault from above showing resultant outward

thrust.thrust. Vault from above.Vault from above. The construction of a groin vault can be understood most The construction of a groin vault can be understood most

simply by visualising two barrel vault sections at right simply by visualising two barrel vault sections at right angles merging to form a squarish unit. The resulting four angles merging to form a squarish unit. The resulting four ribs convey the stress loading to the four corners, or piers.ribs convey the stress loading to the four corners, or piers.[4][4] The more complex groin vault is intrinsically a stronger The more complex groin vault is intrinsically a stronger design compared to the design compared to the barrel vaultbarrel vault, since the barrel vault , since the barrel vault structure must rest on long walls creating less stable structure must rest on long walls creating less stable lateral stress, whereas the groin vault design can direct lateral stress, whereas the groin vault design can direct stresses almost purely vertically on the piers.stresses almost purely vertically on the piers.[5][5] A common A common association of vaulting in cathedrals of the Middle Ages association of vaulting in cathedrals of the Middle Ages involves a involves a navenave of barrel vault design with of barrel vault design with transeptstransepts of of groined vaulting.groined vaulting.[6][6] The The fan vaultfan vault is similar to the groin is similar to the groin vault in theory, but has a much more elaborate splaying of vault in theory, but has a much more elaborate splaying of multiple ribs emanating from each springer, either multiple ribs emanating from each springer, either decoratively or structurally.decoratively or structurally.

Flying ButtressFlying Buttress

FFlyinglying

ButtressButtress

Flying buttresses at Flying buttresses at Bath Abbey, Bath, England. Of the six seen here the left hand five are supporting the nave, and the right hand one is supporting the transept. Notice their cast shadows on the windows

Flying buttressFlying buttressFrom Wikipedia, the free From Wikipedia, the free

encyclopediaencyclopedia

In In architecturearchitecture, a , a flying flying

buttressbuttress, or , or arc-arc-boutantboutant, is usually on a , is usually on a religious building, used religious building, used to transmit the thrust of to transmit the thrust of a a vaultvault across an across an intervening space intervening space (which might be an (which might be an aisleaisle, , chapelchapel or or cloistercloister), to a ), to a buttressbuttress outside the outside the building. The building. The employment of the employment of the flying buttress means flying buttress means that the that the load bearing wallsload bearing walls can can contain cut-outs, such contain cut-outs, such as for large windows, as for large windows, that would otherwise that would otherwise seriously weaken the seriously weaken the vault walls.vault walls.

Close-up of two flying buttresses at Bath Abbey, Bath, England. These are the right hand two buttresses of the picture above

Flying buttressFlying buttress The purpose of a buttress was to reduce the load on the vault wall. The majority of The purpose of a buttress was to reduce the load on the vault wall. The majority of

the load is carried by the upper part of the buttress, so making the buttress as a the load is carried by the upper part of the buttress, so making the buttress as a semi-arch provides almost the same load bearing capability, yet in a much lighter as semi-arch provides almost the same load bearing capability, yet in a much lighter as well as a much cheaper structure. As a result, the buttress flies through the air, well as a much cheaper structure. As a result, the buttress flies through the air, rather than resting on the ground and hence is known as a flying buttress.rather than resting on the ground and hence is known as a flying buttress.

Flying buttressFlying buttressConstructionConstruction Villard de Honnecourt's drawing of Villard de Honnecourt's drawing of

a flying buttress at a flying buttress at ReimsReims, ca. AD , ca. AD 1320–1335 (1320–1335 (BibliothèqueBibliothèque nationalenationale))

"To build the flying "To build the flying buttress, it was first buttress, it was first necessary to construct necessary to construct temporary wooden frames temporary wooden frames which are called centering. which are called centering. The centering would The centering would support the weight of the support the weight of the stones and help maintain stones and help maintain the shape of the arch until the shape of the arch until the mortar was dry. The the mortar was dry. The centering were first built on centering were first built on the ground by the the ground by the carpenters. Once that was carpenters. Once that was done, they would be done, they would be hoisted into place and hoisted into place and fastened to the piers at the fastened to the piers at the end of one buttress and at end of one buttress and at the other. These acted as the other. These acted as temporary flying buttresses temporary flying buttresses until the actual stone butt until the actual stone butt was complete." was complete." [1][1]

Flying buttressFlying buttress From Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Notre Dame de Paris: Flying ButtressNotre Dame de Paris: Flying Buttress Flying buttresses at Flying buttresses at Bath AbbeyBath Abbey, , BathBath, , EnglandEngland. Of the six seen here the . Of the six seen here the

left hand five are supporting the left hand five are supporting the navenave, and the right hand one is supporting , and the right hand one is supporting the the transepttransept. Notice their cast shadows on the windows. Notice their cast shadows on the windows

In In architecturearchitecture, a , a flying buttressflying buttress, or , or arc-boutantarc-boutant, is usually on a , is usually on a religious building, used to transmit the thrust of a religious building, used to transmit the thrust of a vaultvault across an across an intervening space (which might be an intervening space (which might be an aisleaisle, , chapelchapel or or cloistercloister), to a ), to a buttressbuttress outside the building. The employment of the flying buttress means outside the building. The employment of the flying buttress means that the that the load bearing wallsload bearing walls can contain cut-outs, such as for large windows, can contain cut-outs, such as for large windows, that would otherwise seriously weaken the vault walls.that would otherwise seriously weaken the vault walls.

The purpose of a buttress was to reduce the load on the vault wall. The The purpose of a buttress was to reduce the load on the vault wall. The majority of the load is carried by the upper part of the buttress, so making majority of the load is carried by the upper part of the buttress, so making the buttress as a semi-arch provides almost the same load bearing the buttress as a semi-arch provides almost the same load bearing capability, yet in a much lighter as well as a much cheaper structure. As a capability, yet in a much lighter as well as a much cheaper structure. As a result, the buttress flies through the air, rather than resting on the ground result, the buttress flies through the air, rather than resting on the ground and hence is known as a and hence is known as a flying buttressflying buttress..

Gothic architecture is most familiar Gothic architecture is most familiar as the architecture of many of the as the architecture of many of the great great cathedralscathedrals, , abbeysabbeys and parish and parish churcheschurches of Europe. It is also the of Europe. It is also the architecture of many architecture of many castlescastles, , palacespalaces, , town hallstown halls, , guild hallsguild halls, , universitiesuniversities, , and to a less prominent extent, and to a less prominent extent, private dwellingsprivate dwellings..

The western facade of Reims Cathedral, France.

Interior ofInterior of San San ZanipoloZanipolo, , VeniceVenice

..

ContentsContents

1 The term "Gothic"1 The term "Gothic"

2 Influences2 Influences – 2.1 Regional2.1 Regional – 2.2 Materials2.2 Materials – 2.3 Religious2.3 Religious

2.4 Architectural2.4 Architectural

ContentsContents

2.4 Architectural2.4 Architectural

2.4.1 Romanesque tradition2.4.1 Romanesque tradition

2.4.2 Islamic influence2.4.2 Islamic influence

2.4.3 Abbot 2.4.3 Abbot SugerSuger

The term Gothic", when applied to The term Gothic", when applied to architecture, has nothing to do with the architecture, has nothing to do with the historical historical GothsGoths. It was a . It was a pejorativepejorative term term that came to be used as early as the that came to be used as early as the 1530s by 1530s by Giorgio Giorgio VasariVasari to describe to describe culture that was considered rude and culture that was considered rude and barbaric.barbaric.[1][1] At the time in which Vasari At the time in which Vasari was writing, Italy had experienced a was writing, Italy had experienced a century of building in the Classical century of building in the Classical architectural vocabulary revived in the architectural vocabulary revived in the RenaissanceRenaissance and seen as the finite and seen as the finite evidence of a new evidence of a new Golden AgeGolden Age of learning of learning and refinement.and refinement.

The The RenaissanceRenaissance had then overtaken had then overtaken Europe, overturning a system of culture Europe, overturning a system of culture that, prior to the advent of printing, was that, prior to the advent of printing, was almost entirely focused on the Church almost entirely focused on the Church and was perceived, in retrospect, as a and was perceived, in retrospect, as a period of ignorance and superstition. period of ignorance and superstition. Hence, Hence, François RabelaisFrançois Rabelais, also of the 16th , also of the 16th century, imagines an inscription over the century, imagines an inscription over the door of his door of his UtopianUtopian Abbey of Abbey of ThélèmeThélème, , "Here enter no hypocrites, bigots..." "Here enter no hypocrites, bigots..." slipping in a slighting reference to "Gotz" slipping in a slighting reference to "Gotz" and "Ostrogotz."and "Ostrogotz."[2][2]

In English 17th century usage, "Goth" In English 17th century usage, "Goth" was an equivalent of "was an equivalent of "vandalvandal", a savage ", a savage despoiler with a Germanic heritage and despoiler with a Germanic heritage and so came to be applied to the architectural so came to be applied to the architectural styles of northern Europe from before the styles of northern Europe from before the revival of classical types of architecture.revival of classical types of architecture.

Milan Cathedral, the east end.Milan Cathedral, the east end.

According to a 19th century correspondent in the According to a 19th century correspondent in the London Journal London Journal Notes and QueriesNotes and Queries::

There can be no doubt that the term 'Gothic' as There can be no doubt that the term 'Gothic' as applied to pointed styles of ecclesiastical applied to pointed styles of ecclesiastical architecture was used at first contemptuously, architecture was used at first contemptuously, and in derision, by those who were ambitious to and in derision, by those who were ambitious to imitate and revive the Grecian orders of imitate and revive the Grecian orders of architecture, after the revival of classical architecture, after the revival of classical literature. Authorities such as literature. Authorities such as Christopher WrenChristopher Wren lent their aid in deprecating the old mediæval lent their aid in deprecating the old mediæval style, which they termed Gothic, as synonymous style, which they termed Gothic, as synonymous with every thing that was barbarous and rude.with every thing that was barbarous and rude.[3][3][4][4]

Milan Cathedral, the east end.Milan Cathedral, the east end.

On On 21 July21 July 17101710, the Académie d'Architecture met , the Académie d'Architecture met in Paris, and among the subjects they discussed, in Paris, and among the subjects they discussed, the assembled company noted the new fashions the assembled company noted the new fashions of bowed and cusped arches on chimneypieces of bowed and cusped arches on chimneypieces being employed being employed "to finish the top of their "to finish the top of their openings. The Company disapproved of several of openings. The Company disapproved of several of these new manners, which are defective and these new manners, which are defective and which belong for the most part to the Gothic."which belong for the most part to the Gothic."[5][5]

RegionalRegional At the end of the 12th century Europe was At the end of the 12th century Europe was

divided into a multitude of city-states and divided into a multitude of city-states and kingdoms. The area encompassing modern kingdoms. The area encompassing modern GermanyGermany, , The NetherlandsThe Netherlands, , BelgiumBelgium, , LuxembourgLuxembourg, , SwitzerlandSwitzerland, , AustriaAustria, eastern , eastern FranceFrance and much of northern and much of northern ItalyItaly, excluding , excluding VeniceVenice, was nominally under the authority of , was nominally under the authority of the the Holy Roman EmpireHoly Roman Empire, but local rulers , but local rulers exercised considerable autonomy. exercised considerable autonomy. FranceFrance, , SpainSpain and and SicilySicily were independent kingdoms, were independent kingdoms, as was as was EnglandEngland, whose , whose Plantagenet kingsPlantagenet kings ruled large domains in France.ruled large domains in France.[6][6] NorwayNorway came under the influence of England, while came under the influence of England, while the other the other ScandinavianScandinavian countries and countries and PolandPoland were influenced by Germany.were influenced by Germany.

RegionalRegional Throughout Europe at this time there was a Throughout Europe at this time there was a

rapid growth in trade and an associated rapid growth in trade and an associated growth in towns,growth in towns,[7][7][8][8] especially in especially in Germany and the Lowlands and in northern Germany and the Lowlands and in northern Italy. had large flourishing towns that grew Italy. had large flourishing towns that grew in comparative peace, in trade and in comparative peace, in trade and competition with each other, or united for competition with each other, or united for mutual weal, as in the mutual weal, as in the HanseaticHanseatic League League. . Civic building was of great importance to Civic building was of great importance to these towns as a sign of wealth and pride. these towns as a sign of wealth and pride. England and France remained largely England and France remained largely feudalfeudal and produced grand domestic architecture and produced grand domestic architecture for their dukes, rather than grand town halls for their dukes, rather than grand town halls for their burghers.for their burghers.

MaterialsMaterials A further regional influence was the A further regional influence was the

availability of materials. In France, availability of materials. In France, limestonelimestone was readily available in several was readily available in several grades, the very fine white limestone of grades, the very fine white limestone of CaenCaen being favoured for sculptural being favoured for sculptural decoration. England had coarse decoration. England had coarse limestone, red limestone, red sandstonesandstone as well as dark as well as dark green green PurbeckPurbeck marble marble which was often which was often used for architectural features.used for architectural features.

..[7][7][9][9]

MaterialsMaterials

In Northern Germany, Netherlands, In Northern Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia, Baltic countries and Scandinavia, Baltic countries and northern Poland local building stone was northern Poland local building stone was unavailable but there was a strong unavailable but there was a strong tradition of building in brick. The resultant tradition of building in brick. The resultant style, style, Brick GothicBrick Gothic, is called , is called "Backsteingotik" in Germany and "Backsteingotik" in Germany and Scandinavia.Scandinavia.

MaterialsMaterials

In Italy, stone was used for In Italy, stone was used for fortifications, but brick was preferred fortifications, but brick was preferred for other buildings. Because of the for other buildings. Because of the extensive and varied deposits of extensive and varied deposits of marble, many buildings were faced in marble, many buildings were faced in marble, or were left with marble, or were left with undecorated facades so that this undecorated facades so that this might be achieved at a later date.might be achieved at a later date.

MaterialsMaterials

The availability of timber also The availability of timber also influenced the style of architecture. It influenced the style of architecture. It is thought that the magnificent is thought that the magnificent hammer-beamhammer-beam roofs of England were roofs of England were devised as a direct response to the devised as a direct response to the lack of long straight seasoned timber lack of long straight seasoned timber by the end of the Medieval period, by the end of the Medieval period, when forests had been decimated when forests had been decimated not only for the construction of vast not only for the construction of vast roofs but also for ship building.roofs but also for ship building.[7][7][9][9]

The Romanesque Abbey Church at Cluny (the remaining transept shown) provided a model for many monastic precincts and had a lasting influence on Gothic architecture

ReligiousReligious

The early Medieval period had seen a rapid The early Medieval period had seen a rapid growth in monasticism, with several different growth in monasticism, with several different orders being prevalent and spreading their orders being prevalent and spreading their influence widely. Foremost were the influence widely. Foremost were the BenedictinesBenedictines whose great abbey churches vastly outnumbered whose great abbey churches vastly outnumbered any others in England. Part of their influence was any others in England. Part of their influence was that they tended to build within towns, unlike the that they tended to build within towns, unlike the CisterciansCistercians whose ruined abbeys are seen in the whose ruined abbeys are seen in the remote countryside. The remote countryside. The CluniacCluniac and Cistercian and Cistercian Orders were prevalent in France, the great Orders were prevalent in France, the great monastery at monastery at ClunyCluny having established a formula having established a formula for a well planned monastic site which was then for a well planned monastic site which was then to influence all subsequent monastic building for to influence all subsequent monastic building for many centuries.many centuries.

ReligiousReligious

In the 13th century In the 13th century St. Francis of AssisiSt. Francis of Assisi established the established the FranciscansFranciscans, or so-called "Grey , or so-called "Grey Friars", a mendicant order. Its off-Friars", a mendicant order. Its off-shoot, the shoot, the DominicansDominicans, founded by , founded by St. DominicSt. Dominic in in ToulouseToulouse and and BolognaBologna, , were particularly influential in the were particularly influential in the building of Italy's Gothic churches.building of Italy's Gothic churches.[7][7][8][8]

ArchitecturalArchitectural

Gothic architecture grew out of the Gothic architecture grew out of the previous architectural genre, previous architectural genre, RomanesqueRomanesque. For the most part, . For the most part, there was not a clean break, as there there was not a clean break, as there was later to be in was later to be in RenaissanceRenaissance FlorenceFlorence with the sudden revival of with the sudden revival of the the Classical styleClassical style by by BrunelleschiBrunelleschi in in the early 15th century.the early 15th century.

Romanesque traditionRomanesque tradition

Romanesque architecture, or Norman Romanesque architecture, or Norman architecture as it is generally termed in architecture as it is generally termed in England because of its association with the England because of its association with the Norman invasionNorman invasion, had already established the , had already established the basic architectural forms and units that were to basic architectural forms and units that were to remain in slow evolution throughout the Medieval remain in slow evolution throughout the Medieval period. The basic structure of the period. The basic structure of the cathedralcathedral church, the parish church, the parish churchchurch, the , the monasterymonastery, the , the castlecastle, the , the palacepalace, the , the great hallgreat hall and the and the gatehousegatehouse were all established. Ribbed were all established. Ribbed vaultsvaults, , buttresses, clustered columns, ambulatories, buttresses, clustered columns, ambulatories, wheel windowswheel windows, spires and richly carved door , spires and richly carved door tympanums were alreadytympanums were already features of features of ecclesiastical architecture.ecclesiastical architecture.[10][10]

Romanesque traditionRomanesque tradition

The widespread introduction of a single The widespread introduction of a single feature was to bring about the stylistic feature was to bring about the stylistic change that separates Gothic from change that separates Gothic from Romanesque, and broke the tradition of Romanesque, and broke the tradition of massive masonry and solid walls penetrated massive masonry and solid walls penetrated by small openings, replacing it with a style by small openings, replacing it with a style where light appears to triumph over where light appears to triumph over substance. The feature that brought the substance. The feature that brought the change is the pointed arch. With its use change is the pointed arch. With its use came the development of many other came the development of many other architectural devices, previously put to the architectural devices, previously put to the test in scattered buildings and then called test in scattered buildings and then called into service to meet the structural, into service to meet the structural, aesthetic and ideological needs of the new aesthetic and ideological needs of the new style. These include the flying buttresses, style. These include the flying buttresses, pinnacles and traceried windows which pinnacles and traceried windows which typify Gothic ecclesiastical architecture.typify Gothic ecclesiastical architecture.[7][7]

The influence of Islamic architecture on the Gothic can be most clearly seen in Spain, as here at Salamanca Cathedral.

Islamic influenceIslamic influence The influence of Islamic architecture The influence of Islamic architecture

on the Gothic can be most clearly seen on the Gothic can be most clearly seen in Spain, as here at in Spain, as here at Salamanca CathedralSalamanca Cathedral..

The pointed arch had its origins in The pointed arch had its origins in ancient ancient Assyrian architectureAssyrian architecture where it where it occurs in a number of structures as occurs in a number of structures as early as 720 BC. It passed into early as 720 BC. It passed into Sassanian-Persian architecture and Sassanian-Persian architecture and from the conquest of from the conquest of PersiaPersia in 641 AD, in 641 AD, became a standard feature of became a standard feature of Islamic architectureIslamic architecture..[7][7]

Islamic influenceIslamic influence

The The NormanNorman conquest of conquest of Islamic SicilyIslamic Sicily in in

1090, the 1090, the CrusadesCrusades which began in 1096 which began in 1096 and the and the Islamic presence in SpainIslamic presence in Spain all all brought about a knowledge of this brought about a knowledge of this significant structural device. It is probable significant structural device. It is probable also that decorative carved stone screens also that decorative carved stone screens and window openings filled with pierced and window openings filled with pierced stone also influenced Gothic tracery. In stone also influenced Gothic tracery. In Spain in particular individual decorative Spain in particular individual decorative motifs occur which are common to both motifs occur which are common to both Islamic and Christian architectural Islamic and Christian architectural mouldings and sculpture.mouldings and sculpture.[11][11][12][12]

Islamic influenceIslamic influence

Concurrent with its introduction and Concurrent with its introduction and early use as a stylistic feature in early use as a stylistic feature in French churches, it is believed that French churches, it is believed that the pointed arch evolved naturally in the pointed arch evolved naturally in Western Europe as a structural Western Europe as a structural solution to a purely technical solution to a purely technical problem. (See below: problem. (See below: Pointed arch, Pointed arch, OriginsOrigins))

3 Characteristics of Gothic churches and cathedrals

3.1 Plan 3.2 Height

3.3 Vertical emphasis 3.4 Light

3.5 Majesty 3.6 Structure: the pointed arch

3.6.1 Origins 3.6.2 Functions

Characteristics of Gothic churches and Characteristics of Gothic churches and cathedralscathedrals

The structure of a typical cathedralThe structure of a typical cathedral In Gothic architecture, new technology stands In Gothic architecture, new technology stands

behind the new building style. That new behind the new building style. That new technology was the technology was the ogivalogival or pointed or pointed archarch. Other . Other characteristics developed as the consequence of characteristics developed as the consequence of the use of the pointed arch.the use of the pointed arch.

The Gothic style, when applied to an ecclesiastical The Gothic style, when applied to an ecclesiastical building, emphasizes verticality and features building, emphasizes verticality and features almost skeletal stone structures with great almost skeletal stone structures with great expanses of glass, ribbed expanses of glass, ribbed vaultsvaults, clustered , clustered columnscolumns, sharply pointed , sharply pointed spiresspires, , flying buttressesflying buttresses and inventive and inventive sculpturalsculptural detail such as detail such as gargoylesgargoyles..

A Gothic A Gothic cathedralcathedral or or abbeyabbey was, prior to the 20th was, prior to the 20th century, generally the landmark building in its century, generally the landmark building in its town, rising high above all the domestic structures town, rising high above all the domestic structures and often surmounted by one or more and often surmounted by one or more towerstowers and and perhaps perhaps spiresspires..[7][7][13][13]

The structure of a typical cathedral

Plan of Amiens Cathedral.

Plan of Wells Cathedral.

PlanPlan

Plan of Plan of Wells CathedralWells Cathedral.. Most Gothic churches, unless they are Most Gothic churches, unless they are

entitled entitled chapelschapels, are of the , are of the Latin crossLatin cross plan, with a long nave making the body plan, with a long nave making the body of the church, a transverse arm called of the church, a transverse arm called the the transepttransept and beyond it, an and beyond it, an extension which may be called the extension which may be called the choirchoir, chancel or presbytery. There are , chancel or presbytery. There are several regional variations on this plan.several regional variations on this plan.

Plan of Plan of Wells CathedralWells Cathedral..

The nave is generally flanked on either The nave is generally flanked on either side by aisles, usually singly, but side by aisles, usually singly, but sometimes double. The nave is generally sometimes double. The nave is generally considerably taller than the aisles, having considerably taller than the aisles, having clerestoreyclerestorey windows which light the windows which light the central space. Gothic churches of the central space. Gothic churches of the Germanic tradition, like Germanic tradition, like St. Stephen of ViennaSt. Stephen of Vienna, often have nave , often have nave and aisles of similar height and are called and aisles of similar height and are called hallenkirkehallenkirke. In the South of France there is . In the South of France there is often a single wide nave and no aisles, as often a single wide nave and no aisles, as at Sainte-Marie in at Sainte-Marie in Saint-Bertrand-de-Saint-Bertrand-de-CommingesComminges..

Plan of Plan of Wells CathedralWells Cathedral..

In some churches with double aisles, In some churches with double aisles, like like Notre Dame, ParisNotre Dame, Paris, the transept , the transept does not project beyond the aisles. In does not project beyond the aisles. In English cathedrals transepts tend to English cathedrals transepts tend to project boldly and there may be two project boldly and there may be two of them, as at of them, as at Salisbury CathedralSalisbury Cathedral, , though this is not the case with though this is not the case with lesser churches.lesser churches.

Plan of Plan of Wells CathedralWells Cathedral..

The eastern arm shows considerable The eastern arm shows considerable diversity. In England it is generally long and diversity. In England it is generally long and may have two distinct sections, both choir may have two distinct sections, both choir and presbytery. It is often square ended or and presbytery. It is often square ended or has a projecting has a projecting Lady ChapelLady Chapel, dedicated to , dedicated to the the Virgin MaryVirgin Mary. In France the eastern end is . In France the eastern end is often polygonal and surrounded by a walkway often polygonal and surrounded by a walkway called an ambulatory and sometimes a ring of called an ambulatory and sometimes a ring of chapels called a chapels called a chevettechevette. While German . While German churches are often similar to those of France, churches are often similar to those of France, in Italy, the eastern projection beyond the in Italy, the eastern projection beyond the transept is usually just a shallow apsidal transept is usually just a shallow apsidal chapel containing the chapel containing the sanctuarysanctuary, as at , as at Florence CathedralFlorence Cathedral..[7][7][10][10][13][13]

Salisbury Cathedral has the tallest spire

in England.

HeightHeight

A characteristic of Gothic church A characteristic of Gothic church architecture is its height, both real and architecture is its height, both real and proportional. A section of the main body of proportional. A section of the main body of a Gothic church usually shows the nave as a Gothic church usually shows the nave as considerably taller than it is wide. In considerably taller than it is wide. In England the proportion is sometimes England the proportion is sometimes greater than 2:1, while the extreme is greater than 2:1, while the extreme is reached at reached at Cologne CathedralCologne Cathedral with a ratio with a ratio of 3.6:1. The extreme of actual internal of 3.6:1. The extreme of actual internal height was achieved at height was achieved at BeauvaisBeauvais Cathedral Cathedral at 157' 6". at 157' 6".[7][7]

HeightHeight

Externally, towers and spires are Externally, towers and spires are characteristic of Gothic churches both characteristic of Gothic churches both great and small, the number and great and small, the number and positioning being one of the greatest positioning being one of the greatest variables in Gothic architecture. In variables in Gothic architecture. In Italy, the tower, if present, is almost Italy, the tower, if present, is almost always detached from the building, as always detached from the building, as at at Florence CathedralFlorence Cathedral, and is often from an , and is often from an earlier structure. In France and Spain, two earlier structure. In France and Spain, two towers on the front is the norm. In England, towers on the front is the norm. In England, Germany and Scandinavia this is often the Germany and Scandinavia this is often the arrangement, but an English cathedral may arrangement, but an English cathedral may also be surmounted by an enormous tower also be surmounted by an enormous tower at the crossing. at the crossing.

HeightHeight

Smaller churches usually have just Smaller churches usually have just one tower, but this may also be the one tower, but this may also be the case at a very large cathedral like case at a very large cathedral like SalisburySalisbury or or UlmUlm Cathedral Cathedral, which has , which has the tallest spire in the world,the tallest spire in the world,[14][14] slightly exceeding that of slightly exceeding that of Lincoln CathedralLincoln Cathedral, the tallest which was , the tallest which was actually completed during the actually completed during the medievalmedieval period, at 527 feet (160 period, at 527 feet (160 metres).metres).

The Gothic east end of Cologne Cathedral represents the extreme of verticality. (nave- 19th century)

3 Characteristics of Gothic churches and cathedrals

3.1 Plan 3.2 Height

3.3 Vertical emphasis 3.4 Light

3.5 Majesty 3.6 Structure: the pointed arch

3.6.1 Origins 3.6.2 Functions

Sainte-Chapelle surrounded by the Palais de Justice.

Vertical emphasisVertical emphasis

The pointed arch lends itself to a The pointed arch lends itself to a suggestion of height. This suggestion of height. This appearance is characteristically appearance is characteristically further enhanced by both the further enhanced by both the architectural features and the architectural features and the decoration of the building.decoration of the building.[13][13]

Vertical emphasisVertical emphasis

On the exterior, the verticality is On the exterior, the verticality is emphasised in a major way by the towers emphasised in a major way by the towers and spires and in a lesser way by strongly and spires and in a lesser way by strongly projecting vertical buttresses, by narrow projecting vertical buttresses, by narrow half-columns called half-columns called attached shaftsattached shafts which which often pass through several storeys of the often pass through several storeys of the building, by long narrow windows, vertical building, by long narrow windows, vertical mouldings around doors and figurative mouldings around doors and figurative sculpture which emphasises the vertical sculpture which emphasises the vertical and is often attenuated. The roofline, and is often attenuated. The roofline, gable ends, buttresses and other parts of gable ends, buttresses and other parts of the building are often terminated by small the building are often terminated by small pinnaclespinnacles, , Milan CathedralMilan Cathedral being an being an extreme example in the use of this form of extreme example in the use of this form of decoration.decoration.

Vertical emphasisVertical emphasis

On the interior of the building On the interior of the building attached attached shaftsshafts often sweep unbroken from floor to often sweep unbroken from floor to ceiling and meet the ribs of the vault, like a ceiling and meet the ribs of the vault, like a tall tree spreading into branches. The tall tree spreading into branches. The verticals are generally repeated in the verticals are generally repeated in the treatment of the windows and wall surfaces. treatment of the windows and wall surfaces. In many Gothic churches, particularly in In many Gothic churches, particularly in France, and in the France, and in the Perpendicular periodPerpendicular period of of English Gothic architectureEnglish Gothic architecture, the treatment of , the treatment of vertical elements in gallery and window tracery vertical elements in gallery and window tracery creates a strongly unifying feature that creates a strongly unifying feature that counteracts the horizontal divisions of the interior counteracts the horizontal divisions of the interior structure.structure.[13][13]

Sainte-Chapelle - Interior.

LightLight

One of the most distinctive characteristics One of the most distinctive characteristics of Gothic architecture is the expansive area of Gothic architecture is the expansive area of the windows as at of the windows as at Sainte Sainte ChapelleChapelle and the and the very large size of many individual windows, very large size of many individual windows, as at as at Gloucester CathedralGloucester Cathedral and and Milan CathedralMilan Cathedral. . The increase in size between windows of The increase in size between windows of the Romanesque and Gothic periods is the Romanesque and Gothic periods is related to the use of the ribbed vault, and related to the use of the ribbed vault, and in particular, the pointed ribbed vault which in particular, the pointed ribbed vault which channeled the weight to a supporting shaft channeled the weight to a supporting shaft with less outward thrust than a semicircular with less outward thrust than a semicircular vault. Walls did not need to be so weighty.vault. Walls did not need to be so weighty.[10][10][13][13]

LightLight

A further development was the flying A further development was the flying buttress which arched externally from buttress which arched externally from the springing of the vault across the the springing of the vault across the roof of the aisle to a large buttress roof of the aisle to a large buttress projecting well beyond the line of the projecting well beyond the line of the external wallexternal wall..

LightLight

The clerestorey windows at The clerestorey windows at Saint-Omer CathedralSaint-Omer Cathedral..

The internal columns of the arcade with their attached The internal columns of the arcade with their attached shafts, the ribs of the vault and the flying buttresses, with shafts, the ribs of the vault and the flying buttresses, with their associated vertical buttresses jutting at right-angles their associated vertical buttresses jutting at right-angles to the building, created a stone skeleton. Between these to the building, created a stone skeleton. Between these parts, the walls and the infill of the vaults could be of parts, the walls and the infill of the vaults could be of lighter construction. Between the narrow buttresses, the lighter construction. Between the narrow buttresses, the walls could be opened up into large windows.walls could be opened up into large windows.[7][7]

Through the Gothic period, due to the versatility of the Through the Gothic period, due to the versatility of the pointed arch, the structure of Gothic windows developed pointed arch, the structure of Gothic windows developed from simple openings to immensely rich and decorative from simple openings to immensely rich and decorative sculptural designs. The windows were very often filled with sculptural designs. The windows were very often filled with stained glassstained glass which added a dimension of colour to the light which added a dimension of colour to the light within the building, as well as providing a medium for within the building, as well as providing a medium for figurative and narrative art.figurative and narrative art.[13][13]

The clerestorey windows at Saint-Omer Cathedral.

MajestyMajesty

The facade of a large church or The facade of a large church or cathedral, often referred to as the cathedral, often referred to as the West West FrontFront, is generally designed to create a , is generally designed to create a powerful impression on the powerful impression on the approaching worshipper, approaching worshipper, demonstrating both the might of God, demonstrating both the might of God, and the might of the institution that it and the might of the institution that it represents. One of the best known and represents. One of the best known and most typical of such facades is that of most typical of such facades is that of Notre Dame de ParisNotre Dame de Paris..

MajestyMajesty

Central to the facade is the main Central to the facade is the main portal, often flanked by additional portal, often flanked by additional doors. In the arch of the door is often doors. In the arch of the door is often a significant piece of sculpture, most a significant piece of sculpture, most frequently frequently Christ in MajestyChrist in Majesty. If there is . If there is a central door jamb, then it frequently a central door jamb, then it frequently bears a statue of the bears a statue of the Madonna and Madonna and ChildChild. There may be much other . There may be much other carving, often of figures in niches set carving, often of figures in niches set into the mouldings around the portals, into the mouldings around the portals, or in sculptural screens extending or in sculptural screens extending across the facade.across the facade.

MajestyMajesty In the centre of the middle level of the In the centre of the middle level of the

facade, there is a large window, which in facade, there is a large window, which in countries other than England and countries other than England and BelgiumBelgium, , is generally a is generally a rose windowrose window like that at like that at ReimsReims Cathedral Cathedral The gable above this is The gable above this is usually richly decorated with arcading or usually richly decorated with arcading or sculpture, or in the case of Italy, may be sculpture, or in the case of Italy, may be decorated, with the rest of the facade, with decorated, with the rest of the facade, with polychrome marble and mosaic, as at polychrome marble and mosaic, as at OrvietoOrvieto Cathedral Cathedral

The West Front of a French cathedral and The West Front of a French cathedral and many English, Spanish and German many English, Spanish and German cathedrals generally has two towers, which, cathedrals generally has two towers, which, particularly in France, express an enormous particularly in France, express an enormous diversity of form and decoration.diversity of form and decoration.[7][7][8][8]

Notre Dame de Paris.

Structure: the pointed archStructure: the pointed arch

OriginsOrigins

Norman blind-arcading at Norman blind-arcading at Canterbury CathedralCanterbury Cathedral.. The The definingdefining characteristic of Gothic architecture characteristic of Gothic architecture

is the pointed or is the pointed or ogivalogival arch. Arches of this type arch. Arches of this type were used in were used in Islamic architectureIslamic architecture before they before they were used structurally in European architecture, were used structurally in European architecture, and are thought to have to been the inspiration and are thought to have to been the inspiration for their use in France, as at for their use in France, as at AutunAutun Cathedral Cathedral, , which is otherwise stylistically Romanesque.which is otherwise stylistically Romanesque.[7][7]

Structure: the pointed archStructure: the pointed arch

OriginsOrigins

However, it appears that there was probably However, it appears that there was probably simultaneously a structural evolution simultaneously a structural evolution towards the pointed arch, for the purpose of towards the pointed arch, for the purpose of vaultingvaulting spaces of irregular plan, or to bring spaces of irregular plan, or to bring transverse vaults to the same height as diagonal transverse vaults to the same height as diagonal vaults. This latter occurs at vaults. This latter occurs at Durham CathedralDurham Cathedral in in the nave aisles in 1093. Pointed arches also occur the nave aisles in 1093. Pointed arches also occur extensively in Romanesque decorative extensively in Romanesque decorative blind blind arcadingarcading, where semi-circular arches overlap , where semi-circular arches overlap each other in a simple decorative pattern, each other in a simple decorative pattern, and the points are accidental to the designand the points are accidental to the design..

Norman blind-arcading at Canterbury Cathedral.

FunctionsFunctions

The Gothic The Gothic vaultvault, unlike the semi-, unlike the semi-circular vault of Roman and circular vault of Roman and Romanesque buildings, can be used to Romanesque buildings, can be used to roof rectangular and irregularly shaped roof rectangular and irregularly shaped plans such as trapezoids. The other plans such as trapezoids. The other structural advantage is that the structural advantage is that the pointed arch channels the weight onto pointed arch channels the weight onto the bearing piers or columns at a steep the bearing piers or columns at a steep angle. This enabled architects to raise angle. This enabled architects to raise vaults much higher than was possible vaults much higher than was possible in Romanesque architecture.in Romanesque architecture.[7][7]

FunctionsFunctions

While, structurally, use of the pointed While, structurally, use of the pointed arch gave a greater flexibility to arch gave a greater flexibility to architectural form, it also gave architectural form, it also gave Gothic architecture a very different Gothic architecture a very different visual character to Romanesque, the visual character to Romanesque, the verticality suggesting an aspiration verticality suggesting an aspiration to Heaven.to Heaven.

FunctionsFunctions

In Gothic Architecture the pointed In Gothic Architecture the pointed arch is used in every location where a arch is used in every location where a vaulted shape is called for, both vaulted shape is called for, both structural and decorative. Gothic structural and decorative. Gothic openings such as doorways, windows, openings such as doorways, windows, arcades and galleries have pointed arcades and galleries have pointed arches. Gothic arches. Gothic vaultingvaulting above spaces above spaces both large and small is usually both large and small is usually supported by richly molded ribs.supported by richly molded ribs.

FunctionsFunctions

Rows of pointed arches upon delicate Rows of pointed arches upon delicate shafts form a typical wall decoration shafts form a typical wall decoration known as blind arcading. Niches with known as blind arcading. Niches with pointed arches and containing statuary are pointed arches and containing statuary are a major external feature. The pointed arch a major external feature. The pointed arch leant itself to elaborate intersecting leant itself to elaborate intersecting shapes which developed within window shapes which developed within window spaces into complex Gothic tracery spaces into complex Gothic tracery forming the structural support of the large forming the structural support of the large windows that are characteristic of the windows that are characteristic of the style.style.[10][10][9][9]

The south transept facade at York Minster presents a composition in untraceried pointed arches.

Basic shapes of Gothic Basic shapes of Gothic arches and stylistic arches and stylistic charactercharacter

The way in which the pointed arch was The way in which the pointed arch was draughted and utilised developed draughted and utilised developed throughout the Gothic period. There were throughout the Gothic period. There were fairly clear stages of development, which fairly clear stages of development, which did not, however, progress at the same did not, however, progress at the same rate, or in the same way in every country. rate, or in the same way in every country. Moreover, the names used to define various Moreover, the names used to define various periods or styles within the Gothic differs periods or styles within the Gothic differs from country to country.from country to country.

Basic shapes of Gothic Basic shapes of Gothic arches and stylistic arches and stylistic charactercharacter

[[editedit] Lancet arch] Lancet arch The simplest shape is the long The simplest shape is the long

opening with a pointed arch known in opening with a pointed arch known in England as the England as the lancetlancet. Lancet . Lancet openings are often grouped, usually openings are often grouped, usually as a cluster of three or five. Lancet as a cluster of three or five. Lancet openings may be very narrow and openings may be very narrow and steeply pointed.steeply pointed.

Basic shapes of Gothic arches Basic shapes of Gothic arches and stylistic characterand stylistic character

Salisbury CathedralSalisbury Cathedral is famous for the beauty and is famous for the beauty and simplicity of its Lancet Gothic, known in England simplicity of its Lancet Gothic, known in England as the Early English Style. as the Early English Style. York CathedralYork Cathedral has a has a group of lancet windows each fifty feet high and group of lancet windows each fifty feet high and still containing ancient glass. They are known as still containing ancient glass. They are known as the the Five SistersFive Sisters. These simple undecorated . These simple undecorated grouped windows are found at grouped windows are found at ChartresChartres and and LaonLaon Cathedrals Cathedrals and are used extensively in and are used extensively in ItalyItaly..[7][7][9][9]

Windows in the Chapter House at Windows in the Chapter House at York MinsterYork Minster show the show the equilateral archequilateral arch with typical circular with typical circular motifs in the tracery.motifs in the tracery.

Windows in the Chapter House at York Minster show the equilateral arch with typical circular motifs in the tracery.

Equilateral archEquilateral arch

Many Gothic openings are based upon the Many Gothic openings are based upon the equilateralequilateral form. In form. In other words, when the arch is draughted, the other words, when the arch is draughted, the radiusradius is exactly is exactly the width of the opening and the centre of each arch coincides the width of the opening and the centre of each arch coincides with the point from which the opposite arch springs. This with the point from which the opposite arch springs. This makes the arch higher in relation to its width than a semi-makes the arch higher in relation to its width than a semi-circular arch which is exactly half as high as it is wide.circular arch which is exactly half as high as it is wide.[7][7]

The Equilateral Arch gives a wide opening of satisfying The Equilateral Arch gives a wide opening of satisfying proportion useful for doorways, decorative arcades and big proportion useful for doorways, decorative arcades and big windows.windows.

The structural beauty of the Gothic arch means, however, that The structural beauty of the Gothic arch means, however, that no set proportion had to be rigidly maintained. The Equilateral no set proportion had to be rigidly maintained. The Equilateral Arch was employed as a useful tool, not as a Principle of Arch was employed as a useful tool, not as a Principle of Design. This meant that narrower or wider arches were Design. This meant that narrower or wider arches were introduced into a building plan wherever necessity dictated. In introduced into a building plan wherever necessity dictated. In the architecture of some Italian cities, notably the architecture of some Italian cities, notably VeniceVenice, semi-, semi-circular arches are interspersed with pointed ones.circular arches are interspersed with pointed ones.[15][15]

The Equilateral Arch lends itself to filling with tracery of The Equilateral Arch lends itself to filling with tracery of simple equilateral, circular and semi-circular forms. The type simple equilateral, circular and semi-circular forms. The type of tracery that evolved to fill these spaces is known in England of tracery that evolved to fill these spaces is known in England as Geometric Decorated Gothic and can be seen to splendid as Geometric Decorated Gothic and can be seen to splendid effect at many English and French Cathedrals, notably Lincoln effect at many English and French Cathedrals, notably Lincoln and Notre Dame in Paris. Windows of complex design and of and Notre Dame in Paris. Windows of complex design and of three or more three or more lightslights or vertical sections, are often designed by or vertical sections, are often designed by overlapping two or more equilateral arches.overlapping two or more equilateral arches.[9][9]

Flamboyant tracery at Limoges Cathedral.

Flamboyant archFlamboyant arch Flamboyant tracery at Flamboyant tracery at LimogesLimoges Cathedral Cathedral

..

The The FlamboyantFlamboyant Arch Arch is one that is is one that is draughted from four points, the upper part draughted from four points, the upper part of each main arc turning upwards into a of each main arc turning upwards into a smaller arc and meeting at a sharp, flame-smaller arc and meeting at a sharp, flame-like point. These arches create a rich and like point. These arches create a rich and lively effect when used for window tracery lively effect when used for window tracery and surface decoration. The form is and surface decoration. The form is structurally weak and has very rarely been structurally weak and has very rarely been used for large openings except when used for large openings except when contained within a larger and more stable contained within a larger and more stable arch. It is not employed at all for arch. It is not employed at all for vaultingvaulting..[7][7]

..

Flamboyant archFlamboyant arch

Some of the most beautiful and Some of the most beautiful and

famous traceried windows of Europe famous traceried windows of Europe employ this type of tracery. It can be employ this type of tracery. It can be seen at seen at St Stephen's ViennaSt Stephen's Vienna, , Sainte Sainte ChapelleChapelle in Paris, at the Cathedrals of in Paris, at the Cathedrals of LimogesLimoges and and RouenRouen in France, and at in France, and at Milan CathedralMilan Cathedral in Italy. In England the in Italy. In England the most famous examples are the West most famous examples are the West Window of Window of York MinsterYork Minster with its design with its design based on the based on the Sacred HeartSacred Heart, the , the extraordinarily rich seven-light East extraordinarily rich seven-light East Window at Window at Carlisle CathedralCarlisle Cathedral and the and the exquisite East window of exquisite East window of Selby AbbeySelby Abbey..[10][10][9][9]

Flamboyant archFlamboyant arch

Doorways surmounted by Flamboyant mouldings Doorways surmounted by Flamboyant mouldings are very common in both ecclesiastical and are very common in both ecclesiastical and domestic architecture in France. They are much domestic architecture in France. They are much rarer in England. A notable example is the doorway rarer in England. A notable example is the doorway to the Chapter Room at to the Chapter Room at Rochester CathedralRochester Cathedral..[7][7][9][9]

The style was much used in England for wall The style was much used in England for wall arcading and niches. Prime examples in are in the arcading and niches. Prime examples in are in the Lady Chapel at Ely, the Screen at Lincoln and Lady Chapel at Ely, the Screen at Lincoln and externally on the facade of Exeter Cathedral. In externally on the facade of Exeter Cathedral. In German and Spanish Gothic architecture it often German and Spanish Gothic architecture it often appears as openwork screens on the exterior of appears as openwork screens on the exterior of buildings. The style was used to rich and buildings. The style was used to rich and sometimes extraordinary effect in both these sometimes extraordinary effect in both these countries, notably on the famous pulpit in Vienna countries, notably on the famous pulpit in Vienna Cathedral.[8]Cathedral.[8]

The depressed arch supported by fan vaulting at King's College Chapel, England.

Depressed archDepressed arch

The Depressed or four-centred The Depressed or four-centred arch arch

is much wider than its height and is much wider than its height and gives the visual effect of having been gives the visual effect of having been flattened under pressure. Its structure flattened under pressure. Its structure is achieved by draughting two arcs is achieved by draughting two arcs which rise steeply from each springing which rise steeply from each springing point on a small radius and then turn point on a small radius and then turn into two arches with a wide radius and into two arches with a wide radius and much lower springing point.much lower springing point.[7][7]

Depressed archDepressed arch

This type of arch, when employed as a window This type of arch, when employed as a window opening, lends itself to very wide spaces, provided opening, lends itself to very wide spaces, provided it is adequately supported by many narrow vertical it is adequately supported by many narrow vertical shafts. These are often further braced by horizontal shafts. These are often further braced by horizontal transoms. The overall effect produces a grid-like transoms. The overall effect produces a grid-like appearance of regular, delicate, rectangular forms appearance of regular, delicate, rectangular forms with an emphasis on the perpendicular. It is also with an emphasis on the perpendicular. It is also employed as a wall decoration in which arcade and employed as a wall decoration in which arcade and window openings form part of the whole decorative window openings form part of the whole decorative surface.surface.

The style, known as The style, known as Perpendicular,Perpendicular, that that evolved from this treatment is specific to England, evolved from this treatment is specific to England, although very similar to contemporary Spanish style although very similar to contemporary Spanish style in particular, and was employed to great effect in particular, and was employed to great effect through the fifteenth century and first half of the through the fifteenth century and first half of the sixteenth as Renaissance styles were much slower sixteenth as Renaissance styles were much slower to arrive in England than in Italy and France.[7]to arrive in England than in Italy and France.[7]

Depressed archDepressed arch

It can be seen notably at the East End It can be seen notably at the East End of Gloucester Cathedral where the of Gloucester Cathedral where the East Window is said to be as large as East Window is said to be as large as a tennis court. There are three very a tennis court. There are three very famous royal chapels and one chapel-famous royal chapels and one chapel-like Abbey which show the style at its like Abbey which show the style at its most elaborate- King's College most elaborate- King's College Chapel, Cambridge; St George's Chapel, Cambridge; St George's Chapel, Windsor; Henry VII's Chapel Chapel, Windsor; Henry VII's Chapel at Westminster Abbey and Bath at Westminster Abbey and Bath Abbey.[9] However very many simpler Abbey.[9] However very many simpler buildings, especially churches built buildings, especially churches built during the wool boom in East Anglia, during the wool boom in East Anglia, are fine examples of the style.are fine examples of the style.

The Royal Portal of Chartres Cathedral.

Symbolism and ornamentation

                                                       

  

The Royal Portal of Chartres Cathedral.Main articles: Cathedral architecture of Western Europe and Poor Man's Bible

                                     

  

  

Symbolism and ornamentation

   The Royal Portal of Chartres Cathedral.

Main articles: Cathedral architecture of Western Europe and Poor Man's Bible

The Gothic cathedral represented the universe in microcosm and each architectural concept, including the loftiness and huge dimensions of the structure, were intended to convey a theological message: the great glory of God. The building becomes a microcosm in two ways. Firstly, the mathematical and geometrical nature of the construction is an image of the orderly universe, in which an underlying rationality and logic can be perceived.Secondly, the statues, sculptural decoration, stained glass and murals incorporate the essence of creation in depictions of the Labours of the Months and the Zodiac[16] and sacred history from the Old and New Testaments and Lives of the Saints, as well as reference to the eternal in the Last Judgment and Coronation of the Virgin.

                                     

  

The decorative schemes usually incorporated The decorative schemes usually incorporated BiblicalBiblical stories, emphasizing visual stories, emphasizing visual typological allegoriestypological allegories between between Old TestamentOld Testament prophecy and the prophecy and the New TestamentNew Testament..[8][8]

Many churches were very richly decorated, both inside and Many churches were very richly decorated, both inside and out. Sculpture and architectural details were often bright out. Sculpture and architectural details were often bright with coloured paint of which traces remain at with coloured paint of which traces remain at ChartresChartres cathedral cathedral. Wooden ceilings and panelling were usually . Wooden ceilings and panelling were usually brightly coloured. Sometimes the stone columns of the brightly coloured. Sometimes the stone columns of the nave were painted, and the panels in decorative wall nave were painted, and the panels in decorative wall arcading contained narratives or figures of saints. These arcading contained narratives or figures of saints. These have rarely remained intact, but may be seen at the have rarely remained intact, but may be seen at the Chapterhouse of Chapterhouse of Westminster AbbeyWestminster Abbey..[9][9]

Some important Gothic churches could be severely simple Some important Gothic churches could be severely simple such as the such as the BasilicaBasilica of of Mary MagdaleneMary Magdalene in in Saint-Saint-MaximinMaximin, , ProvenceProvence where the local traditions of the sober, massive, where the local traditions of the sober, massive, Romanesque architecture were still strong.Romanesque architecture were still strong.

The Devil tempting the Foolish Virgins at Strasbourg.

4 Regional differences4 Regional differences – 4.1 France4.1 France

– 4.2 England4.2 England – 4.3 Germany and the Holy Roman Empir4.3 Germany and the Holy Roman Empir

ee

– 4.4 Spain4.4 Spain – 4.5 Italy4.5 Italy

5 Secular Gothic architecture5 Secular Gothic architecture