• The Gothic period dates from the 12th and 13th century. • The term Gothic was a negative term first used by historians because it was believed that the barbaric Goths were responsible for the style of this period. Gothic Architecture The Gothic period began with the construction of the choir at St. Denis by the Abbot Suger. • Pointed arch allowed for added height. • Ribbed vaulting added skeletal structure and allowed for the use of larger stained glass windows. • The exterior walls are no longer so thick and massive.
Terms: • Pointed Arches • Ribbed Vaulting • Flying Buttresses • Rose Windows
Video - Birth of the Gothic: Abbot Suger and St. Denis Laon Cathedral • Early Gothic example with a plan that resembles Romanesque. • The interior goes from three to four levels. • The stone portals seem to jut forward from the façade. • Added stone pierced by arcades and arched and rose windows. • Filigree-like bell towers. Interior of Laon Cathedral, view facing east (begun c. 1190 CE). Exterior of Laon Cathedral, west facade (begun c. 1190 CE). Chartres Cathedral
• Generally considered to be the first High Gothic church.
• The three-part wall structure allowed for large clerestory and stained-glass windows.
• New developments in the flying buttresses.
• In the High Gothic period, there is a change from square to the new rectangular bay system.
Khan Academy Video: Chartres West Facade of Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France (begun 1134 CE, rebuilt after 1194 CE). Royal Portals of Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France (begun 1134 CE, rebuilt after 1194 CE). Nave, Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France (begun 1134 CE, rebuilt after 1194 CE). Aerial view from the northwest of Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France (begun 1134 CE, rebuilt after 1194 CE). Notre Dame • One of the most famous buildings in the history of architecture is Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris. • Was a mixture of old and new elements. • Combination of old and late styles. • Extensive modifications in 1225-1250 resembling High Gothic style. • Elimination of the triforium and the addition of lacy flying buttresses. • Fenestration gives it a light and airy look; note the rose window. Khan Academy Video: The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Paris (before the fire)
Addition of lacy flying buttresses
Flying Buttresess of Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France (begun 1134 CE, rebuilt after 1194 CE). Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris (Gothic, begun 1163 CE, completed 1250 CE). Notre Dame Cathedral, Gothic, Paris, France Windows of Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France (begun 1134 CE, rebuilt after 1194 CE). Florence Cathedral
• Italy did not adhere to the strict French Gothic style. • Florence’s cathedral has green and white marble geometric patterns on the exterior. • It is more horizontal than the vertical French Gothic style. • Note that this cathedral is also different in plan. Florence Cathedral (Gothic, begun 1368 CE). Gothic Sculpture
• There was a change in mood from Romanesque sculpture to Gothic. The theme is of redemption rather than damnation. • Scenes were now of the life of Jesus or the apocalypse. • The Virgin Mary, also, started to become an important subject.
Terms: • Pointed Arch • Ribbed Vaulting • Flying Buttress • Rose Windows • Jamb Sculptures Compare Jamb Sculptures
• The differences in the jamb sculptures around portals at Chartres Cathedral and Reims Cathedral • The figures, folds of drapery, and the facial features • Notice the more naturalistic approach • Discuss the Annunciation and the Visitation stories represented Jamb figures, west portals, Chartres Cathedral (Gothic, c. 1140–1150 CE). The Annunciation and Visitation Jamb figures, west portals, Reims Cathedral (Gothic, begun 1210 CE). Gothic Themes and Concepts:
• barrel vault, pointed arch • jamb figures • height and light • sacred space • stained glass • return to classicism Discussion Questions:
• What are the differences between Romanesque and Gothic art forms?