GOTHIC ART

Unit 3. Medieval cities

1. INTRODUCTION

Gothic art was a new style of art developed in Europe

between the 12th and the 15th centuries.

It was called Gothic because during the Renaissance it

was believed that Goths introduced this type of art.

In fact it had its origin in the north of France and from

there it spread throughout Europe.

It is an urban type of art that wanted to show the power

and wealth of cities. The most representative building

was the cathedral. Cities competed with each other to

build the biggest and tallest cathedral.

2. ARCHITECTURE

The most important buildings were town halls, markets, palaces and cathedrals.

They were built using new architectural techniques:

Pointed arches and rib vaults were used. The weight of the rib vault did not rest on the walls, but on the pillars inside the building and on the flying buttresses outside.

Thus, thick walls were no longer necessary and large windows could be built. Those windows were made of stained glass , and there were rose windows in bright colours.

Design of a Gothic cathedral:

The Latin cross shape continued to be used.

The central nave was taller and wider than in Romanesque art.

Inside cathedral there were three storeys (nave arcade, triforium and windows)

There was a lot of light inside cathedrals.

Town Hall

Market

Palace

Cathedral

Cathedral

Cathedral

Pointed arches and rib vaults were used

Pointed arches and rib vaults were used

Pointed arches and rib vaults were used

The weight of the rib vault did not rest on the walls, but on the

pillars inside the building and on the flying buttresses

outside

The weight of the rib vault did not rest on the walls, but on the

pillars inside the building and on the flying buttresses

outside

The weight of the rib vault did not rest on the walls, but on the

pillars inside the building and on the flying buttresses

outside

Thus, thick walls were no longer necessary and large windows could be built.

Those windows were made of stained glass , and there were rose windows

in bright colours.

The Latin cross shape continued to be used

The central nave was taller and wider than in Romanesque art.

Romanesque Gothic

Inside cathedral there were three storeys (nave arcade,

triforium and windows)

There was a lot of light inside cathedrals.

Romanesque or Gothic?

Romanesque or Gothic?

Romanesque or Gothic?

SCULPTURE

Gothic sculpture still had a religious and educational purpose. However, it introduced new elements:

Figures became independent from the walls, more realistic and natural.

Clothes and gestures were more detailed.

Curved lines were used to show movement.

There was an interest in showing feelings (Christ suffers on the Cross and the Virgin is happy with her child).

New types of sculpture were introduced:

Altarpieces

Choir stalls

Funeral sculptures

Gargoyles

Stone was the most important material but wood became increasingly popular.

Figures became independent from the walls, more realistic

and natural.

Figures became independent from the walls, more realistic

and natural.

Romanesque Gothic

Clothes and gestures were more detailed.

Curved lines were used to show movement.

Curved lines were used to show movement.

New types of sculpture

Altarpiece Choir stalls

New types of sculpture

Funeral sculptures Gargoyles

PAINTING

Mural painting became less common because it was replaced by stained glass windows.

Painting on wood or wooden tables became popular (altarpieces)

Paintings still represented religious themes but portraits became important.

Other features: Bright colours.

Use of gold.

Background landscapes.

Greater realism.

Movement of figures.

Stained glass windows

Stained glass windows

Stained glass windows

Painting on wood or wooden tables

became popular

Painting on wood or wooden tables

became popular

Religious themes and portraits

Religious themes and portraits

Bright colours.

Use of gold.

Background landscapes.

Greater realism.

Romanesque Descent of

Christ

Gothic Descent of Christ

Movement of figures.